Darlene Graham says that having witnessed birth, death and “everything in between” helps her put a lot of emotion into her novels. Darlene practiced as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery and then in Oncology for twenty years before she decided to translate all that real-life drama into romantic fiction.
“Even though I write uplifting, humorous romance,” the mother of three says, “I’m not afraid to deal with real issues, with real pain. I’ve been known to sit at my computer and shed a few tears while I write.”
Darlene’s first book, IT HAPPENED IN TEXAS, was released as a Guaranteed Page Turner by Harlequin Superromance® in November 1998.
Darlene says that since that book sold, her writing life has felt like popcorn popping. “I can hardly keep up. There is something new and exciting happening almost every day.”
Darlene’s May 1999 Superromance, THE PULL OF THE MOON was a finalist for the Golden Heart award by Romance Writers of America and was #10 on the Waldenbooks bestseller list. THE PULL OF THE MOON features hero Matthew Creed, a firefighter who must deal with the emotional after-affects of working as a rescuer at the site of the Murrah bombing in Oklahoma City.
“My husband and I were privileged to serve as volunteers at the site, and I met many of the rescuers,” Darlene explains, “I was so impressed with these dedicated men and women that I knew in my heart I would feature someone like one of these real life heroes as a fictional hero someday. I only hope I’ve done them justice.”
Two more Superromances, THIS CHILD OF MINE and THE MAN FROM OKLAHOMA are scheduled for release in December 2000 and June 2001.
“I guess that means I’m booked into the next millenium,” Darlene laughs. But, she says that’s okay because her imagination never runs out of story ideas.
Darlene loves to hear from readers and can be reached via e-mail or at P.O. Box 720224, Norman, OK 73070.
Books:
To Save This Child, May 2004
Enchanting Baby, September 2003
No Ordinary Child, April 2003
Dreamless, October 2002