In our ongoing tenth anniversary series, Darlene Foster answers three questions. Foster is the author of the Amanda Ross travel adventures series for children. (The cover of Amanda in Holland is perfect for spring.) She hails from Alberta, and divides her time between British Columbia and Orihuela Costa in Spain. Darlene Foster first appeared in Canadian Writers Abroad in 2017, with a guest post from Spain, “Foster’s Dream Life.” -DM

Darlene Foster (photo: K. Cullen)

CWA: Where were you ten years ago?

Ten years ago I was living in a suburb of Vancouver, Canada, commuting over an hour each way to a stressful, full-time job and writing whenever I found a few spare minutes. I often picked up part-time jobs, as well, to cover the bills and the ridiculously large mortgage. I recall standing in the pouring rain, waiting for a bus that didn’t show up and thinking there has to be a better way to live.

CWA: What top tip would you share with a writer considering a move abroad?

If you’ve been used to a fast-paced lifestyle, depending on where you relocate to, you will have to learn to slow down and get used to a more relaxed way of living. For instance, if a delivery person informs you they will be dropping something off around ten o´clock in the morning, it may not arrive until five o´clock that evening or possibly the next day. I soon learned to be patient.

As a writer, living abroad can be very lonely. I had an amazing network of fellow writers in Canada who encouraged and motivated me. I continued to meet once a month with my critique partners in Canada via Skype and now Zoom. That was great, but what about the rest of the month? I was chatting with a friend of a friend who, when she realized I was a writer, suggested I check out a group of English-speaking writers who met once a week at a place only fifteen minutes from where I lived. I showed up at one of their meetings and was welcomed with open arms. It was the best thing that could have happened, as once a week, I get to meetup with like-minded individuals who are willing to offer ideas and suggestions while we share our work. Many have become good friends as well.

Since then I have been invited to join two other groups of writers, including a group of poets. Each group has a different focus with a variety  of writers from all over the globe. I always return home with my head full of ideas.

I would suggest that if you are considering moving abroad, find a group of writers to meet with, even if it is not a formal group. It will provide you with mental stimulation, intelligent conversation and keep you from getting lonely, homesick and possibly depressed.

CWA: What are you doing now?

During the COVID pandemic, my husband and I felt very safe here in our little corner of Spain. The authorities ensured we were all kept safe and everyone followed the strict rules. We were allowed to walk our dog twice a day during the strict lockdown, so between my husband and myself, she got four walks a day. She was very happy. At the beginning of the second year of the pandemic, we adopted another rescue dog. We called her our pandemic baby. The two of them have kept us entertained during this time of lockdowns and isolation. I was able to catch up on reading and writing, tried new recipes and kept in touch with friends and family through social media and Zoom. I did school visits, reading from my books, all over the world via Zoom, which was fun. The only upsetting thing was not being able to return to Canada and say goodbye to my ninety-two-year-old mother who passed away from natural causes in March 2021. 

I´m now living a simple life on the Spanish Costa Blanca, walking my two rescue dogs on the beach every day, sipping a café con leche at a beach café, reading on my terrace in the sun and writing whenever I wish for as long as I wish. As well as exploring countless historic sites, I enjoy visiting schools, reading my books to eager children and doing book signings in local coffee shops. Sunshine and a stress-free life style may not motivate everyone but it works for me. I’ve written six books and a number of short stories in the past seven years that I have lived in Spain. I feel younger than ever and my blood pressure is back to normal. Life is good.

  • You can buy Foster’s middle-school books from Central Avenue Publishing.
  • Read an interview with Foster on The Art of the Narrative.
  • Foster’s essay on growing up on a ranch in Alberta was published in Country Roads: Memoirs from Rural Canada, edited by Pam Chamberlain, Nimbus Publishing, 2010.
  • James Cudney, “This is My Truth Now,” reviews Amanda in Arabia.
  • Diane Tibert reviews Amanda in New Mexico.
  • Jennifer Foden reviews Amanda on the Danube in Quill and Quire.
  • Darlene Foster interviews Amanda Jane Ross on Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.

Photos of Spain taken by Darlene Foster.

Posted by Debra Martens

author, editor

All Posts Website

32 Comments

  1. Teri Polen April 28, 2022 at 15:43

    How wonderful that you found such a supportive group of writers there, Darlene – and only fifteen minutes from your house! Seems like it was meant to be.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene May 1, 2022 at 08:50

      It was the best thing for me. Nothing like meeting with like-minded folks and discussing writing and books.

      Like

  2. Guest on Canadian Writers Abroad – Nelsapy April 27, 2022 at 06:25

    […] am pleased to be featured on a wonderful blog called Canadian Writers Abroad https://canadianwritersabroad.com/2022/04/17/darlene-foster-in-spain/ In our ongoing tenth anniversary series, Darlene Foster answers three questions. Foster is the […]

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Miriam Hurdle April 26, 2022 at 22:38

    Wonderful interview, Darlene! I’m happy about your move and for you to connect with some local writers. I’ve been a city girl all my life. Probably I won’t be able to adapt to such a slow pace of life. I was fortunate not to have to choose. My job kept me until I retired.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene May 1, 2022 at 08:52

      Thanks, Miriam. I loved the city too but I needed something quieter for my retirement years. There is still a lot to do here, just no traffic!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Carol Balawyder April 26, 2022 at 17:27

    I am so proud of you, Darlene. You are what makes Canadians great! xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 30, 2022 at 15:26

      That was a very kind thing to say, Carol.

      Like

  5. Ari April 26, 2022 at 14:13

    Wonderful interview. While my own relocation was not to a place different to where I came from, I had the same sort of sense of “there has to be something better” and then we just took the Bold Move to make a big change 🙂 It can really be great. I haven’t yet tried to reach out to any writers in the area, maybe that should be something I look into this year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 30, 2022 at 15:26

      It took me about a year to find a writers group, now I belong to three. If you can’t find one, maybe start one of your own. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Kirt D Tisdale April 26, 2022 at 01:49

    Awesome interview Darlene….I loved reading it and how your current life came to be. Keep the writing coming!! Great interview!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 30, 2022 at 15:23

      Tanks, Kirt. You have always been a great supporter and I appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. dgkaye April 25, 2022 at 23:17

    Good for you Darlene. I can’t believe you only moved ten years ago! You’ve accomplished so much and you’re happy. I admire your courage to pick up and go. I trying to summon mine. 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 30, 2022 at 15:23

      Thanks, Debby. It’s been seven years since we made the move, ten years since we decided to do it. There will always be things I miss about Canada of course but it worked for us.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Toni Pike April 25, 2022 at 20:02

    Hi Darlene, That was so interesting and your lifestyle sounds wonderful. You are truly living life to the full. Toni x

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Gilda Baxter April 25, 2022 at 06:15

    I have read quite a few interviews with Darlene and always learn something new. Interesting how life can change so much in ten years, taking the plunge to move to another country has certainly been the right decision for Darlene and I really admire her courage.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 29, 2022 at 12:34

      Thanks, Gilda. Change can be difficult but when you look back, it was the right decision.

      Like

  10. D. Wallace Peach April 24, 2022 at 17:33

    Wonderful interview, Darlene. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Diane April 24, 2022 at 13:15

    Wow. Your life has really changed in ten years. For the better.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Liz Gauffreau April 24, 2022 at 09:09

    I enjoyed this interview a great deal! I hadn’t read the experiences of a writer living abroad before. Darlene’s life in Spain sounds idyllic and a far cry from the pressures of a high stress job. Much better to be writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 29, 2022 at 12:33

      This is a great environment for writing, although one can get a bit lazy about it too.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. D.L. Finn, Author April 23, 2022 at 15:13

    Great interview 🙂 I would love to visit Spain someday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 24, 2022 at 17:44

      I hope you are able to visit Spain, you would love it.

      Like

  14. robbiesinspiration April 23, 2022 at 12:58

    It is lovely to learn more about Darlene and her life. I often feel the same way about corporate life and hope to also step out of the rat race one day. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 24, 2022 at 17:43

      Thanks, Robbie. I loved my job in Canada but realized it was time to slow down.

      Like

  15. Rebecca Cuningham April 23, 2022 at 12:40

    Thanks for the great interview of Darlene! I admire her jump to Spain and her books for tweens with a female protagonist. : )

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 24, 2022 at 17:42

      Thanks, Rebecca!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Jacqui Murray April 23, 2022 at 12:00

    Love the tip about patience. It’s true, innit? What’s the rush?

    Liked by 1 person

  17. J. Kelland Perry April 23, 2022 at 09:46

    Hi Darlene, I enjoyed your interview. It sounds like you are truly living the life. No more waiting in the rain for a bus! Sorry about your mom, though. That must have been hard.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 24, 2022 at 09:09

      Thanks so much. It was hard but I wasn’t the only one who lost a loved one and couldn’t be there. Mom would have understood.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. judithhb April 23, 2022 at 09:07

    I love reading about your life and how much you have changed in the seven years since your move. Hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Darlene April 24, 2022 at 09:07

      Thanks, Judith. You have been along with me on my journey.

      Like

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