Darcy: How Does She Think?

Darcy's quotes from the three adventure novels give some insight into her thinking and philosophy.

Darcy Quotes

"Life throws a lot of curves, near misses, and too often direct hits. I believe I've had more than my share of the latter. Usually it takes only a minute for me to reject such a self-pitying notion. Still, it would be hard to imagine how more change--accompanied by trauma--could come about in such a relatively short time. Mystery and violence have been part of my reality for the past two and a half years. It used to seem like a fluke, but now I'm beginning to wonder if it's become a way of life.''

 —Current Assets (coming soon) 

"If you think about it, trillions of events are happening in the world at the same time every moment of every day, and some are directly related while most have absolutely no connection in space or time. But somewhere along the continuum of events there have to be overlapping occurrences that will have meaning for at least one of us, but only if we are in the right place at the right time to recognize them."

--Currents Deep and Deadly

"You can truly believe you have a handle on how your little slice of life fits into the whole pie, but just when you think pepperoni is all you'll ever need, someone dumps a bunch of mushrooms and peppers on top, and suddenly a mind-blowing revelation smacks you in the mouth. My name is Darcy Farthing, and this is my slice-of-life-with-everything-on-it story.'

--Currents Deep and Deadly

 "I would rather be at the mercy of chaos, where at least I have a chance of bringing order to my life, than to be manipulated by something for its own unknown purpose. I'm afraid that based on the reality of the world, I don't see a reason to assume its purpose would be benevolent."

--Currents of Vengeance

"To keep your sanity when it seems everything in your life has gone over-the-top crazy, you can step back from the action and try to gain an astronaut’s perspective of the world.  But when you find yourself getting lost in the tranquility of that detached view it’s time to dive into a current and get back in the flow."

 —Currents of Vengeance

An Epiphany of Sorts

A number of friends and readers have asked me whether I plan to keep a journal of my experience with breast cancer treatment and write about it.  I answered that I didn't want to think that much about having cancer and would rather concentrate on writing fun fiction.  Well, I've had an epiphany of sorts--not about writing about my experience--but rather talking about it.

I recently read a tweet suggesting that authors should get out more and engage in public speaking.  In her blog, the writer pointed out that most authors are solitary by nature and must push themselves to speak in public.  After all, for many fear of public speaking is right up there with fear of death.  Suddenly the light went on for me, duh!  I spent many years teaching people how to prepare and present public speeches and I am very comfortable doing so myself.  Why hadn't I thought of this before?

Book signing on Royal Caribbean ship, Mariner of the Seas

So, I have added a blurb on http://www.aalleman.com/ inviting organizations and clubs to contact me if they would like me to show up and talk about my fulfillment of a life-long dream (the writing) and the ins and outs of becoming an author, my experiences coping with breast cancer, the fun and inspiration gained from travel, and bringing comfort and synergy to one's life.  Now I realize I have been overlooking a whole facet of my experiences that, quite frankly, could also help my book marketing efforts.

I don't think I'm alone.  I have the feeling that many of us overlook an ability, talent, or valuable experience, that we think of as being in the past, we have taken for granted, or just tucked away for later.  As I realize more than ever, later might never arrive and we must grasp every opportunity to be the best we can be and use our gifts ASAP.

Back to Writing

Well, you know I'm thrilled to have Currents of Vengeance out and available.  So many folks have asked when it will be published because they want to know what happens to Darcy, Mick, Tom, and the rest of the quirky cast.  Since, I'll be "land-locked" for the next year, I've decided they will too.  So, the third book, Current Assets, will follow their antics and problems down in Florida near Mick's home on Marco Island.  I'm planning more twisty plots and dillemas for them and I'm researching and writing now.  My husband, Tim, will be a source of information and inspiration, since I'll draw on some of his U.S. Marshal experience.

My publisher has built a new website for my books.  It's pretty cool at http://www.arleenalleman.com/
You've probably seen the book trailer for Currents Deep and Deadly, but if not, here it is.

As I've said, my new motto is "You're healthy until you're not."  By this I mean that although a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and exercise are the way to go to help achieve a long life, we cannot control everything.  As frustrating as it is, genetics and environment can conspire against us in complicated ways that are not understood by anyone.  So, the best we can do is our best, so that if we encounter a serious health issue we can accept that it is part of life and know we did not knowingly bring it upon ourselves.  If nothing else, this is good motivation to be as healthy as possible . . . and hope it is for life.