Summer Stories: Cash and Cats

Interview with Darlene Franklin, about her book, Of Cash and Cats:

Alexis: Why did you decide to retell the classic fairytale, Puss ‘n’ Boots, with your story Of Cash and Cats?

Darlene: I fell in love with retelling fairy tales when I wrote my two previous books (Cinderella’s Boots and Mermaid’s Song). I also love boots and cats. When I picture the ramshackle barn the younger son inherited as a fishing shack, complete with a kitten in a gigantic fisherman’s boot, the story flew.

Alexis: Who is Max Roy and what is his role in this story?

Darlene: Max Roy plays the role of the human hero in Puss ‘n’ Boots, the one the cat makes good things happen for. His kitten Bootsie doesn’t talk in a human language or perform any trickery but he does perform a vital role in the story.

Alexis: What is Max’s motivation? Share his backstory and his outlook on life.

Darlene: Max is the youngest of three brothers, from whom he’s alienated. He chose to go into a different business than the family business (I won’t say more, or else I’d spoil the story). He was okay in going by the name “Roy,” which was an Americanization of the French name, Roi. But he balked when his father and brother changed the name to King (the English word for Roi) after his mother died. He just doesn’t fit into their dynamic.

Max’s father recently died. His will included an interesting stipulation: he would support Max’s dream for six months, no longer. If at the end of six months, if Max doesn’t return to the family business, he will be cut off. Mr. King didn’t realize Max was already a huge success.

Max’s outlook on life? Oh, it’s been a while since I wrote it. But from what I can remember as the author of this book, Max doesn’t believe in putting on a show. He’s satisfied with living very simply and doesn’t give Alyvia a clue as to his true identity until late in the book.

Alexis: What role does a kitten play in this tale?

Darlene: The hero and heroine meet while chasing their cats. The same kitten features in both of their work. Again, not giving away the story’s secret. Bootsie’s images reveal a lot about what is happening with her person, Max.

Alexis: Why does Max believe that finding a kitten in fisherman’s boots will bring him good fortune and love?

Darlene: I don’t know that believe the kitten will bring him good fortune and love, but he loves when women are attracted to his furball! And I’ve said, Bootsie leads him to new business opportunities.

Alexis: Who is Alyvia Bailey and what is her role in this story? 

Darlene: Alyvia Bailey is the heroine of the book. She is a native of East Boothbay, Maine (my parents’ hometown). Alyvia teaches kindergarten and does part-time work.

Alexis: Describe Alyvia’s looks, personality and heart. What’s her motivation?

Darlene: Alyvia is a true Mainer, doing everything she can to stay in her home town, enjoy coastal Maine and pursue her dreams. She loves to help others. She’s never met a stranger, and she’s eager to help anyone in need. She has long dark hair and can usually be found in blue jeans. 

Alexis: How do Alyvia and Max meet? What do they think of each other?

Darlene: They meet when their cats cross paths. Alyvia has a full-grown tomcat. Then Alyvia invites Max, whom she perceives as a summer vagrant because of his living quarters, to work for her. Max is attracted to this woman who is so determined to help.

Alexis: Why doesn’t Max want to pay Alyvia for working on remodeling a center for those who need a place to stay?

Darlene: For one thing, he doesn’t need the money. And the venture needs of all the money she can raise. For another thing, the terms of his father’s will prohibit it.

Alexis: If you could step into your story and spend a day with Alyvia and Max, what would you do? Why?

Darlene: I’m not a huge fan of fishing, but perhaps Max could take Alyvia and me out on the boat for one of those morning conversations with God and cruises up and down the coast for a bit. We could stop by the place where my parents used to live. Alyvia might have been in the daycare at the YMCA where my mother worked! Maybe not. My mother stopped working sometime in the late ‘90s.

(Imagination working overtime here)

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Darlene! Do you have closing comments?

Darlene: Of Cash and Cats is an intensely personal story for me on a number of levels. It’s set in the town where my mother lived with my stepfather for twenty-eight years, and it’s the Maine my children got to experience. 

I hope my love for my home state comes through loud and clear. Not only that but also Alyvia Bailey is a compilation of my first-great granddaughter’s middle name and her middle name. So you see? Maybe we are related!

~*~
Author Bio: 

Best-selling Amazon and ECPA author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she continues to write from a nursing home. 

She keeps going because God keeps giving her more assignments. 

She’s written more than fifty-five fiction and nonfiction books.

~*~
Book Blurb for Of Cash and Cats:

In this retelling of the classic fairy tale, Puss ‘n’ Boots, the kitten Max Roy finds in a pair of fisherman’s boots brings him good fortune and love. But the going isn’t easy.



When do-gooder Alyvia Bailey meets Max riding a bike and living in a ramshackle fishing shack, she assumes he’s one of the transients she wants to help. 

She’s puzzled when he refuses pay for working on her project--remodeling a center for those needing a place to stay. 



Two cats weave in and out as they move forward to a surprising finish and bring love on kitten paws.

~*~
Buy Of Cash and Cats on Amazon 

~*~
Connect with Darlene:
Amazon Author Page - https://amzn.to/2Lv3Gaa 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFranklinFun/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/darlenefranklin/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/authorDarlene/

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cozy Christmas Reads: Darlene's story

Excerpt from Chapter 11 of "The Christmas Child" by Darlene Franklin:

Chatter rippled through the room after Joseph and Mary had joined the Masquerade ball. As volunteers prepared for the event, Mr. Orson spoke with Preston and Eliza. “You promised me my grandson would be here tonight for me to introduce to my workers.”

“It will happen soon.” After a brief prayer, Preston stepped up to a podium. “The time has come for us to reveal ourselves. “Who can guess my identity?”

A brave soul at the back shouted, “Marshall!”

Bowing, Marshall removed his mask and bowed. When the applause subsided, he drew Eliza forward.

“May I present to you…” He bowed in Eliza’s direction. She curtsied and removed the mask.

“Miss Eliza Lampert.”

More cheers erupted. Pride surged through Preston’s body and his throat. Here, at last, he’d linked their names as he’d wanted to do so often. A year from now, they might be wed, or at least promised to each other.

Mr. Orson stood to side, nodding politely, but his attention was elsewhere, focused on his inner sorrow rather than the gaiety of the masquerade. Preston had hoped the party might bring the man some comfort, but if so, he showed no signs of it.

During the unmasking, they took their time with town luminaries before plunging into to the line of guests. It was a true test to how well Mr. Orson knew his employees and the townspeople. A few times he had to ask. Woody had been a great help in that regard.

Mr. Orson’s attention kept wandering to the door, as if looking for his grandson.

He’s closer than you think. The procession wound down to a young couple at the end of the line..

Mr. Orson examined them curiously. Preston sent up an escape-clause prayer, asking God to make everything work out as they hoped. Eliza smiled at him. He took courage from that and called for Mary and Joseph.

Preston stood between the man and a woman. “I believe this couple, representing those frightened parents in ancient Bethlehem, deserve a special award. Do you agree?” He held his breath, hoping this part of their plan would go smoothly.

Enthusiastic clapping rose from the gathered crowd, and he relaxed.

Eliza tugged on his arm. In a stage whisper, loud enough to be heard across the floor, she said, “The king has ordered that this baby boy be taken away from his mother.”

Preston stood at attention. “Not as long as I have the means to fight it.” He knelt in front of the still-masked couple. “May I take you to safety?”

Silence had fallen across the room as the scene unwound.

“God is our defender,” the man dressed as Joseph answered. “We ask nothing but the blindness of your eyes when we pass.”

“Mary” stepped forward. “Before we leave, I have only one wish: that my son see his grandfather.” Marina removed her mask, revealing her identity. “Because they have never met.”

Mr. Orson stood and took a step forward. “Is that—?” He looked around in a daze.

Eliza and Preston approached Mr. Orson, each taking one of his arms.

“Come meet your grandson,” Eliza said. “And his mother.”

Marina matched Mr. Orson step for step until they met. He stared at the child, hunger written on his face. He needed this grandson the way a starving man needed bread. “May I?” The words came from a broken heart. Preston held his breath.

Marina settled the baby in Mr. Orson’s arms. “It’s a little soon, but I think he will have

Woody’s eyes. And he has his red hair.”

Mr. Orson didn’t stop smiling. “He does looks like Woody did as a newborn. What is he called?”

Preston was glad he was close enough to hear every word of this precious meeting.

Marina brushed a red ringlet from his forehead. “Woodrow John, but I call him John.”

Satisfaction settled on Mr. Orson’s face. “I’d be mighty proud if you would name him

Woodrow John—Orson.”

Marina looked him straight in the eye. “As long as you acknowledge him and love him as your grandson, you are welcome to visit as often as you wish.”

~*~
Author bio: 

Best-selling hybrid author Darlene Franklin's greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Moore near her son, and is expecting her first great-grandchild in January. 

This fall, Captive Brides spent time at the top of the ECPA bestseller list and Christmas Mail Order Angels appeared at the top of one of Amazon’s bestseller lists.

She’s also contributed to more than thirty nonfiction titles.

Her column, “The View Through my Door,” appears in four monthly venues (including Oklahoma Senior News and Living.)

~*~
Book Blurb for The Christmas Child: A year ago scandal ruined the annual Nanepaushat Cotton Mill Christmas Masquerade—the owner’s son tarried with a mill worker and she left, shamed and pregnant. 

Tragedy strikes this year when the same son dies in a tragic accident. Can supervisor Preston Marshall and the shunned woman’s cousin redeem the flailing Masquerade and rescue the Christmas child? How will they overcome the difference in their positions?

Check out The Christmas Child to read this imaginative retelling of Herod’s massacre of the innocents of Bethlehem.

~*~

Buy Darlene's book on Amazon 

~*~
Review of Darlene's book: "Romance and faith collide to bring the reader a story of redemption and overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable! I loved watching Eliza and Preston work together to salvage the annual event and bolster the mill workers after a terrible scandal. The ending was my favorite of all! There's many more things to love, it was a delightful Christmas themed story and brought the real meaning of the holidays about. Celebrating the true Christmas Child!" ~ Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

~*~

Connect with Darlene:

Website and blog ~ Facebook ~ Amazon author page ~ Twitter

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
SaveSave

A Prelude to Christmas: Darlene's story about a matchmaker adventure

Welcome Darlene Franklin to the blog today! She's been here before to share other stories. The most interesting fact about Darlene as an author is that she writes her stories from her residence in a nursing home. 

Today, Darlene would like to tell you about her new novella about a matchmaking gone wrong. Here's the cover photo of her book:

Book blurb for Matchmaker Mixup: Pippin Cortland has decided to accept Clint Keller’s invitation to the Homecoming Dance their senior year. She’s said no for the last three years but wants to go at least once—with Clint.

Only Clint invites Pippin’s twin Margil instead. She agrees to go with Clint—and then accepts a second invitation as well. She insists Pippin pretend to be her sister and take her place with Clint.

When Clint falls for “Margil” at the dance, what is Pippin supposed to do?

WIN a copy of Darlene's holiday novella by filling out the Rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy the interview with Darlene! :)

~*~
Interview questions for Darlene Franklin, author of Matchmaker Mixup:

Alexis: “Matchmaker Mixup” is such a creative and adventurous title for a Christmas novel! How did you first create it?

Darlene: Matchmaker came from my editor. Our Christmas collection this year is Merry Matchmaker. So, I needed a matchmaker, and I knew I wanted to use the Cortland twins who appeared in an earlier book (An Apple for Christmas). From there, the idea of twins trading place jumped full-grown into my mind.

Since I love alliteration (Romanian Rhapsody, Prodigal Patriot), and my story involves the mixup that results when identical twins switch dates at the annual homecoming dance—"Matchmaking Mixup" was the happy result.

Alexis: What is your novel about?

Darlene: Pippin Cortland has decided to accept Clint Keller’s invitation to the Homecoming Dance their senior year. She’s said no for the last three years but wants to go at least once—with Clint.

Only Clint invites Pippin’s twin Margil instead. She agrees to go with Clint—and then accepts a second invitation as well. She insists Pippin pretend to be her sister and take her place with Clint.

When Clint falls for “Margil” at the dance, what is Pippin supposed to do?

Alexis: Reading your story was fun but as the author, did you ever get confused in trying to write back and forth from each identical twins’ perspective? Why or why not?

Darlene: It was definitely difficult. In the same scene, Clint was calling Pippin “Margil” and calling Margil “Pippin.” Pippin in her thoughts thought of her sister as Margil but had to call her Pippin when she was talking to Clint. Eye-crossing craziness.

I asked my editor to pay special attention, as I did, that I kept their names straight.

Alexis: Tell us about your heroine Pippin Cortland. What makes her tick? What warms her heart? Who does she love and why?

Darlene: Pippin loves poetry. She loves her family, her twin, the Lord—and slowly, to her surprise—Clint Keller.

As a child, she always loved telling stories, and she became more withdrawn and shy as she matured.

In three years of college, she hasn’t dated anyone, until Margil forces her to date Clint. The more he gets to know “Margil” (Pippin), the more he likes her—such as her surprising athletic skills.

Alexis: Tell us about Pippin’s identical twin sister Margil. What is she like? How is she different from Pippin? Describe Margil’s role in this story.

Darlene: Margil is Pippin’s opposite. She’s a math major, outgoing. She hasn’t missed homecoming once in their years at the college.

Margil accepts Clint’s invitation to the homecoming dance—and later accepts Ned’s invitation as well. She’d rather go with Ned, and she decides to coax Pippin into taking her place as Clint’s date for the night.

That’s not as mean as it sounds. She’s tried to get Pippin and Clint together for three years. This is the perfect solution! As Margil expected, Pippin and Clint enjoy each other’s company once they get together.

Alexis: Tell us about the hero Clint Keller. Who is he? What does he like and dislike? Why was he in love with Pippin at first but then what made him fall for Margil?

Clint Keller loves baseball but he’s not good enough to be a professional. Instead he’s happy working as a carpenter while he’s a professional student and happy new husband (by the end of the book.)

At the beginning for the, Clint doesn’t so much fall for Margil as settle for her as the best substitute for Pippin. When he starts to fall in love with “Margil” he thinks he made a mistake pursuing Pippin all those years—until he learns he’s been dating Pippin all along and his initial instincts were right.

Alexis: Describe the setting of this story for those who have not yet read your book. What makes it special?

Darlene: The book is set at a fictional college in the fictional town of Maple Notch. Using the actual University of Vermont would require more in depth research and resources than I had readily available. This way, I could create courses of study and buildings to my heart’s content.

Maple Notch is dear to my heart as the town I created for my 8-book Heartsong series set in Vermont, from the Revolutionary War (Prodigal Patriot) through the present day (Small Town Bachelor). All but one book has been republished recently with Winged Publications and we hope to assemble them into an omnibus collection as soon as I have that last book.

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge in writing this novel?

Darlene: How long could I string out Pippin’s deception? I didn’t want to create a story where the reader asked, why didn’t they just admit what they’d done earlier?

I solved the problem by writing a shorter-than-usual novella (by about 2,000 words). which allowed me to bring it to a conclusion when it seemed right.

As I mentioned above, I also struggled with keeping the girls’ names straight. 

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I could spend an afternoon with one of my characters in this book, I would spent it with _________________because _____________________.

Darlene: If I could spend an afternoon with one of my characters in this book, I would spend it with Margil because she’s a poet and we would talk about New England and read her poems.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Darlene! Take care and God bless you.

Darlene: Thanks for the challenging and insightful question! The longer I write, the more of a “pantser” I become, and I had to figure out what I had written.

~*~
Author bio: 

Best-selling author Darlene Franklin's greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family. 

She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over forty books and more than 250 devotionals.

~*~

Buy Darlene's book on Amazon
~*~
Connect with Darlene: 
Website and blog
Facebook
Amazon author page
Follow her on Twitter @darlenefranklin

SaveSave
SaveSave