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Chatting with the Pros: Children’s Author, Darlene Foster

Posted: February 15, 2025 | Author: | Filed under: Book Review, Books, Chatting with the Pros, Children's Books, Fiction, Interview, Writing | Tags: , , , , , , , |77 Comments
Two women sitting and talking with fantasy background. Dialog bubbles with 'Q &A' above their heads. Text: Chatting with the Pros with Kaye Lynne Booth

I first met Darlene when she sent me a pitch for this interview in response to a call for pitches I put out. I’m always thrilled to meet other children’s authors and I have to say, I really liked her attitude and her approach. I believe children’s authors have the gift of viewingthe world through a child’s eyes, or maybe they just retain more of their own inner child than others do. When I saw her author photo (below), I saw this in her wonderful smile and the sparkle in her eye.

Join me here, in learning more about her and her lovely children’s books, the Amanda Travels Series, (ten books and still more to come). She also writes short fiction, which has been featured in several anthologies, and has a short fiction collection, .

About Darlene Foster

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 enjoys spending time with her family in Canada and her house in Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

My Interview with Darlene

Kaye: Please tell us a little about your author’s journey.

Darlene: Since I was a little girl on the farm, I enjoyed telling stories, often making them up in my head as I daydreamed. My wonderful grade-three teacher suggested I write my stories down. I had a short story published in the local newspaper when I was twelve but didn’t do much serious writing until I was a grandmother. I visited a friend in the United Arab Emirates and had such a great time that I planned to write a story about it. After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to try writing the story from a twelve-year-old’s point of view. Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask was born. It took me three years to write the book and another five years to find a publisher, but I persisted. In the meantime, I wrote Amanda in Spain: The Girl in The Painting and had ideas for Amanda in England: The Missing Novel. I now have ten books in the series and am working on the eleventh.

Kaye: You are a member of the Children’s Writer’s Guild. Can you tell us how authors benefit from being a member of such organizations?

Darlene: I belong to CWILL BC (Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC) I love being part of an organization like this as it is important to mix with other authors. One of the many benefits is the sharing of knowledge. It is the best way to keep up to date on the writing/publishing industry which is an ever-changing world. It’s imperative to keep on top of trends etc. These organizations put together workshops and special events, in person or online, and provide marketing opportunities. Because of my membership, I have done in-class presentations all over the world via Zoom. I used to belong to more similar organizations, but there is only so much time to commit.

Kaye: You have a children’s series, the Amanda Travels series. Tell us about the books and the series.

Darlene: Here is the Reader’s Digest version. Spunky Amanda Jane Ross loves travelling to interesting places, meeting cool people and learning fascinating new things. Her curiosity and eagerness to help people often gets her into trouble wherever she goes. Her adventures have taken her to the deserts of Arabia, castles in England, Spain’s sunny beaches, historic cities along the Danube, spooky buildings in New Mexico, the tulip fields of Holland, and mysterious standing stones in Scotland. Life is never dull for this tween.

Kaye: Amanda in Scotland makes ten books in the Amanda Travels books, and in each one she travels to a different country. Would I be wrong in assuming that you have visited all the places Amanda has traveled?

Darlene: You would not be wrong. In fact, I have made it a policy that Amanda can not go anywhere I haven’t been!

Kaye: Which country is your favorite? Why?

Darlene: That’s difficult to answer as I like all of them for different reasons. Perhaps the United Arab Emirates as it was so very different from anything I had ever experienced, and it got me started writing the series.

Kaye: Which country is Amanda’s favorite? Why?

Darlene: Amanda doesn’t have a favourite country. She loves them all and always has a great time wherever she goes. As long as she is making friends,learning new things, and solving a mystery, she is happy.

Kaye: If Amanda goes to a different country each year, how old was she when the series began? How many countries does Amanda go to each year?

Darlene: Amanda turned twelve when she wished for travel and adventure before blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. She stays twelve years old throughout the series. Nancy Drew is the same age in all 34 books. I believe Trixie Belden stays around the same age too. The books are stand-alone and don’t have to be read in any particular order. I prefer writing for tweens instead of teenagers.

Kaye: Where does Amanda plan to travel next?

Darlene: Amanda will be off to Ireland to attend her cousin’s wedding. She will have a fabulous adventure in the Emerald Isle; the land of leprechauns, fairies and dangerous bogs. The working title is, Amanda in Ireland: The Body in the Bog.

Kaye: You are a traditionally published author and the Amanda Travels series is signed with Simon & Schuster. (Congratulations, by the way.) How much of the marketing and promotion for your books are you required to do?

Darlene: The first nine books were published by Central Avenue Publishing, a small independent press in Canada. CAP has recently become an imprint of Simon & Schuster, which is wonderful. I self-published, through Draft2Digital, Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones. As for marketing and promotion, I have always done most of my own. I set up book signings and visits to bookstores, schools and libraries, as well as blog tours and social media marketing. I do some marketing every day as it is part of the job. It is great to have a distribution company like Simon & Schuster for bookstores, libraries, and schools to order from.

Kaye: After being traditionally published for nine books, why the switch to independent publishing through D2D?

Darlene: My publisher has decided not to publish kids’ books anymore. We are still on good terms, and I am leaving the first nine books with her. The publishing world is very changeable and as writers, we need to be adaptable. 

Kaye: According to your bio, you are an award-winning author. Would you tell us about the awards you’ve won for your books? Which are you most proud of?

Darlene: I have won awards for my short stories, which can be found in a number of anthologies. I’m very proud of my story, The Day Dief Came to Town. It’s based on an hilarious event from my childhood. It was the first prize I got for my writing and gave me the confidence to carry on. I included it in my short-story collection, You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie

Kaye: Your books are available in both digital and print editions. What differences do you see in digital and print sales for children’s books?

Darlene: Initially (15 years ago), I sold 50% e-books and 50% print books. Now it is more like 25% e-books and 75% print books. Kids still enjoy holding a book in their hands, and adults prefer buying print books for them. School libraries like to stock print books, and teachers use the print books as part of their curriculum. 

Kaye: What advice do you have for new authors trying to break into the children’s market?

Darlene: Never give up and never stop learning. Search out other writers who can serve as mentors or become part of your street team.

Kaye: Where can readers find out more about you and the Amanda Travels series?

Darlene:

My website https://www.darlenefoster.ca/

My blog https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Darlene-Foster/author/B003XGQPHA

My goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3156908.Darlene_Foster

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog!

Kaye: You’ve been a wonderful guest. Thank you so much for your candid responses.

About Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

What could possibly go wrong on the magical Scottish Isle of Arran? It’s such a peaceful, charming place with castles, mountains, old graves and ancient standing stones.

Amanda Ross and Leah Anderson are visiting Aunt Jenny who owns an old house on the island. But something is not right. A mysterious woman, who seems to have stepped out of the past, keeps appearing, Leah’s father hasn’t contacted the family for some time, and Aunt Jenny’s house may have an uninvited guest.

Amanda is intrigued by this picturesque island, often called Little Scotland. She watches exciting sheepdog trials, attends a lively ceilidh, makes friends with the locals, and visits the mystical Holy Island. Join Amanda as she tries to solve the mystery of the strange woman and the disappearance of Leah’s father. Will the past catch up with the present?

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Scotland-Standing-Stones-Travels-ebook/dp/B0D5TMLSLC

My Review of Amanda in Scotland

I received a digital copy of Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones, by Darlene Foster is a delightful middle-grade mystery reminescent of the Nancy Drew mysteries, with the element of travel thrown in. In the Amanda Travels Series, Amanda is a curious and bright twelve year old, who discover and solve myteries through her travels. Readers are introduced to the various countries she travels to through Amanda’s eyes as she learns about the history and culture of each destination.

This story takes us to the Arran in Scotland, where Amanda visits her travel friend, Leah, and her Aunt Jenny. As the girls explore Arran and the surrounding islands, they meet a mysterious woman, recieve puzzling messages from Leah’s father, and they experience other odd occurances which don’t add up. On an island where many places are reported to be haunted, Amanda determines to follow the clues and unravel the mystery. Like any good mystery, all is revealed by the end of the story.

Foster manages to give vivid descriptions, allowing readers to picture the castles, ruins and landscapes of Scotland in stunning detail, while delighting in the thrill of solving a mystery. I’ve no doubt the other books in the series are just as delightful. A great way for young readers to learn about the world around us. I give Amanda in Scotland five quills.

Five circles with WordCrafter quill logo in each one.

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About Kaye Lynne Booth

For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.

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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

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This segment of “Chatting with the Pros” is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.

The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.

Get Your Copy Now.

Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird

Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle

Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee

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77 Comments on “Chatting with the Pros: Children’s Author, Darlene Foster”

  1. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:
    February 15, 2025 at 6:10 am

    Thank you for featuring me on your blog Kaye Lynne, and for the wonderful review of Amanda in Scotland. I’m delighted you enjoyed it. Your questions were excellent and made me think. I hope my answers will inspire other children’s authors.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • kayelynnebooth's avatar kayelynnebooth says:
      February 15, 2025 at 7:20 pm

      You make a wonderful guest, Darlene. You gave some great answers. 🙂

      I loved that we both drew parallels between Amanda’s adventures and Nancy Drew. As a kid, I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries, and Amanda gives me that same feeling. Also, I think it is great that Amanda is a bit younger than Nancy. The age worked quite nicely for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. robertawrites235681907's avatar robertawrites235681907 says:
    February 15, 2025 at 6:44 am

    It’s lovely to find DArlene featured here. I have read and enjoyed several of her Amanda travel books. Her comment about the ratio of print to ebooks is interesting. Children do react better to paperbacks and I think that is a pleasing trend.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Darlene's avatar Darlene says:
      February 15, 2025 at 8:33 am

      Thanks so much, Robbie. You have always been a great fan of Amanda and a supporter of my efforts. When I visit schools, I often see kids reading print books. It is so good to see.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • kayelynnebooth's avatar kayelynnebooth says:
      February 15, 2025 at 7:27 pm

      It was a pleasure to feature Darlene, Robbie. 🙂

      I had suspected as much when I posed the question, judging by the sales of the My Backyard Friends series, which is available only in ebook. It’s always good to hear your thoughts validated by someone who has been doing it awhile.

      Like

      Reply
  3. Tom's avatar Tom says:
    February 15, 2025 at 7:36 am

    I may not read or write children’s books but this was an interesting interview.

    I like Darlene’s view that Amanda can only go where Darlene has been because it adds authenticity to the stories, and the brand.

    I’m a multi-genre, mulit-disclipline author as you know and I tried my hand at writing a story for children a few years ago. I sent it to a couple of authors for an opinion and the tale disappeared from my files shortly after. LOL.

    To date, it’s the only genre that I’ll avoid, with respect to those who are capable of writing it and are as successful as Darlene.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar Sue Dreamwalker says:
    February 15, 2025 at 3:23 pm

    Loved your conversation and learning much more about Darlene and her amazing books… Thank you xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. Carla's avatar Carla says:
    February 15, 2025 at 5:38 pm

    Wonderful review, KayeLynn and Darlene. I have read a few of the Amanda books and will read the rest eventually. I know my granddaughter would love them.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar OIKOS™- Art, Books & more says:
    February 16, 2025 at 7:15 am

    Thanks for featuring Darlene, with this great posting. With her Amanda series she has reached the heaven of writers, and is wellknown all over the world. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  7. Author Jan Sikes's avatar Author Jan Sikes says:
    February 16, 2025 at 9:12 am

    What a wonderful Q&A! I love that Darlene doesn’t put Amanda in a country she hasn’t personally visited. That being said, I look forward to Amanda in Thailand! Thank you, Kaye Lynn for featuring Darlene today. And a big congratulations to you, Darlene!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. D. Wallace Peach's avatar D. Wallace Peach says:
    February 16, 2025 at 11:20 am

    A wonderful interview! I love it that Amanda is always 12, and somehow, somehow, that works, even though it seems like it wouldn’t. And I like it that Amanda doesn’t have a favorite country. Her enthusiasm comes through in the books and it’s wonderful to see the world through her eyes. Thanks for the interview, Darlene and Kaye Lynne, and Congrats Darlene.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  9. John W. Howell's avatar John W. Howell says:
    February 16, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    A lovely interview, Darlene and Kaye. Thanks to both of you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:
    February 16, 2025 at 3:25 pm

    Thanks for featuring Darlene, Kaye. It’s always good to earn more about the bloggers I follow. This was a great interview.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
    February 16, 2025 at 4:03 pm

    This was a wonderful interview with Darlene, Kaye. I love her Amanda books!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  12. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor says:
    February 16, 2025 at 4:44 pm

    My first series as a boy were the Hardy Boys, the male version of the Nancy Drew series. Much like Nancy and Amanda, Joe and Frank stayed the same same throughout in their mystery solving.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • kayelynnebooth's avatar kayelynnebooth says:
      February 16, 2025 at 5:55 pm

      Hi Pete. I read my share of Hardy boys mysteries, even though I was a girl, as well as Nancy Drew. They were fun reads, as is Amanda. Thanks for visiting. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • Darlene's avatar Darlene says:
      February 17, 2025 at 8:19 am

      That’s true. I read some Hardy Boys books too. I just didn’t want to write stories with a teenage protagonist. Those are different kinds of stories. Harry Potter got darker and darker as the books progressed. Which worked well for that series, but I just don’t want to go there at this time.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  13. Kirt D Tisdale's avatar Kirt D Tisdale says:
    February 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm

    Awesome interview with Darlene!! I have been following her blog for a number of years waiting for my granddaughter to reach the age where would enjoy reading of Amanda’s adventures!! She has been to some of these countries, so will have a great point of reference!! Thanks for sharing your interview!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  14. Liz Gauffreau's avatar Liz Gauffreau says:
    February 16, 2025 at 6:45 pm

    I enjoyed your interview with Darlene very much. My favorite part is when she said that Amanda doesn’t have a favorite country; she’s open to all. Congratulations to Darlene on your excellent review!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  15. CarolCooks2's avatar CarolCooks2 says:
    February 16, 2025 at 7:35 pm

    Lovely to see Darlene here…I am eargely awaiting “Amanda in Thailand” as I know Darlene loved here recent visit here…A great Q & A thank you ladies x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  16. CarolCooks2's avatar CarolCooks2 says:
    February 17, 2025 at 8:38 am

    I think thats a given, Darlene I would disappointed if there wasn’t 🙂 x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  17. bitaboutbritain's avatar bitaboutbritain says:
    February 17, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    I enjoyed that – there is some wise advice there. Thank you both! I’m intrigued that Amanda remains the same age. one of my childhood book loves was the Biggles character, who emerged in the Royal Flying Corp during WW1 and was still giving the baddies hell well into the 1950s (I think!).

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  18. Cindy Georgakas's avatar Cindy Georgakas says:
    February 17, 2025 at 5:01 pm

    Still trying to comment. Hope it’s in moderation.

    Great post!! 🙏🏼

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Miriam Hurdle's avatar Miriam Hurdle says:
    February 17, 2025 at 8:18 pm

    Great interview, Kaye and Darlene! Thank you. I like that Amanda is always 12 and she doesn’t have a favorite country. All countries are equally good. Amanda in Thailand would be an exciting book.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  20. Gloria's avatar Gloria says:
    February 18, 2025 at 2:04 am

    I hope Amanda enjoys her trip to Ireland! 😃

    Great interview, Darlene!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  21. Stevie Turner's avatar Stevie Turner says:
    February 18, 2025 at 3:47 am

    Great interview! I enjoyed reading it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  22. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar Baydreamer - Lauren Scott says:
    February 18, 2025 at 8:41 pm

    Wonderful interview, Kaye and Darlene! It was fun to learn more about Darlene’s writing/publishing journey. I’ve read several of her Amanda books and loved them, so I look forward to reading more! ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

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