Mystery Mondays: Darlene Foster on Writing Inspiration

~ Kristina Stanley
This week, it is my pleasure to have Darlene Foster for the second time on Mystery Mondays. In her first post she wrote about Location, Location, Location. And you’ll see location is very important to the Amanda series Darlene writes. But just as important is inspiration. So over to Darlene.

Inspiration by Darlene Foster

I am happy to announce the launch of the fifth book in the Amanda Travels series, Amanda on the Danube – The Sounds of Music. This book was inspired by a magical trip I took down the Danube a few years ago. I recall thinking that Amanda would enjoy this as I passed amazing scenery and walked the cobblestone streets of medieval towns. The thing is when you are a writer, you are always thinking of your next book, especially if it is a series. My character, Amanda Jane Ross, is as much a part of my life as my family and my dog.
I enjoyed writing this book as I wrote much of it while in Spain, so it felt more European. I used my photographs to remind me of things I saw and experienced and did a lot of research. My family background is German so it was fun to include a few German words. I also used to sell Stieff toys so it made sense to include a store that sold them.
In this book, the friendship between Amanda and Leah is tested. This is the first book in which all the parents are included and we learn more about the relationships, especially that of Amanda and her mother. Family is important to me and you will see that it is an integral part of this story.
I guess you could say this book is close to my heart on many levels. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do. As my aunt would say, your fifth baby is just as special as the other four. And before you ask, I am busy working on the sixth book.

Amanda On The Danube: The Sounds of Music

9781771681025Twelve-year-old Amanda Ross finds herself on an elegant riverboat with her bestie, Leah, cruising down the beautiful Danube, passing medieval castles, luscious green valleys and charming villages. When she is entrusted with a valuable violin by a young, homeless musician during a stop in Germany, a mean boy immediately attempts to take it from her.

Back on their cruise, Amanda struggles to keep the precious violin safe for the poor prodigy. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious monk, a Santa Claus look-alike, and the same nasty boy.

Follow Amanda down the Danube, through Germany, Austria and Hungary, as she enjoys the enchanting sounds of music everywhere she goes. She remains on the lookout, wondering just who she can trust.

Who is Darlene Foster?

profile-photoDarlene Foster was brought up on a ranch in southern Alberta, Canada, where she dreamt of writing, travelling the world and meeting interesting people. Following her dreams, she’s now an award-winning author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky 12-year-old Amanda Ross who has adventures in unique places.Her books include Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask, Amanda in Spain – The Girl in The Painting, Amanda in England – The Missing Novel and Amanda in Alberta – The Writing on the Stone. Readers of all ages enjoy travelling with Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another.  She is also the author of a bi-lingual book, Pig on Trial/Cerdito a juicio. Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, in Spain. She believes everyone is capable of making their dreams come true.

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16 thoughts on “Mystery Mondays: Darlene Foster on Writing Inspiration”

  3. Pingback: Mystery Mondays: Darlene Foster on Writing Inspiration | Darlene Foster's Blog

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