Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .

What drew you to the genre you write?
I was at Bouchercon Toronto, listening to a panel of authors who each had a protagonist in a dog-related profession. I was volunteering at a no-kill animal shelter and had learned a lot about the operations. In an instant of pure craziness, I thought, “I’ve never read a book where the protagonist worked in an animal shelter. I should write that.”

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
N/A. When you have as unique a name as Darlene Dziomba, why change it?

Tell us how you got into writing?
I had a unique idea and wanted to see if I could create a series that I had never seen written. I joined Sisters in Crime, then the Guppies, and took courses and listened to webinars. When I had a draft, I applied to join a Writer’s Workshop. The facilitator saw potential in my story, and I was chosen to join the group. Writing has opened up my creative side and given me an outlet I didn’t even realize I needed.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I worked for thirty-five years at the University of Pennsylvania in Finance. I handled daily fiscal operations and five-year financial planning. I worked full-time through the publication of my first three books. Now, writing is my full-time occupation, because I invested wisely and am able to support myself on my retirement income. Not because I dreamily thought, “I could live off my writing income.”.

How many books do you have published?
4

Where do you write?
At my desk. I need quiet. I don’t know how anyone writes in a coffee shop.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Suspense/Thriller, I need that heart-pounding, page-turning plot that completely consumes you.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a black belt in aikido.

Who is an author you admire?
Hank Phillippi Ryan. She is amazing!

Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
Be patient. Talent takes a long time to develop. Don’t give up.

What is next for you?
I will release the 5th book in the Lily Dreyfus series on February 24, 2026. It’s titled Tail of Deception. I’ve been working on a suspense novel titled Dark Tide Rising. That is in its second rewrite. Someday, it will be ready to be published.

Where can we find you?
On my website at www.readDarlene.com, on Facebook, Amazon Author Page, Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn

Now to have some fun . . .

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast

Fruits or vegetables
Fruit

Sweet or salty snacks
Sweet

Ice cream or cake
Cake

Cooking or baking
Baking, did I mention I like cake?

Dining in or dining out
Dining out, I love having someone else do the dishes

City life or country living – um, suburban living?
Of the two choices, City

Beach or mountain
Mountain

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
Fall

Extrovert or introvert
Introvert

And even more fun . . .

What is your favorite movie?
Casablanca

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
An ax and rope to build shelter and a lifetime supply of M&Ms.

My bio:
Darlene Dziomba combined her passion for the written word and animals into the Lily Dreyfus series. The books are written based on her experience as a volunteer at the Animal Welfare Association, a no-kill animal shelter in Voorhees, New Jersey. Darlene had a thirty-five-year career in Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked at three of the schools, two of the administrative centers, and the library system. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Manuscript Swap Coordinator for the Guppies, and served as a mentor in the Sisters in Crime Mentorship pilot program. She lives in New Jersey with her four-legged best friend, Billie.