Interview with Darlene Corbett 2026

I’m excited to welcome Darlene Corbett as our Featured Author this week! Darlene released her second book Mesmerize in March. I have so many questions about this book and Darlene’s unique perspective to storytelling, so let’s get started!

Congratulations on the release of Mesmerize! What first sparked the idea for this story, and what makes it stand out from other Christian romances?

Thank you so much. The Wall Street Journal did a piece about the return of speed dating, and I thought that such an event would be a fun way to start a novel. Also, my mother used to take me to Las Vegas every year, so I became quite familiar with the hotels and Circe de Soleil shows.

What makes Mesmerize unique? Although it incorporates the elements of the romance genre (hero and heroine meeting early and a happy ending), much of the novel doesn’t follow any particular formula.

The title Mesmerize is intriguing. What does it represent in the context of the plot and your characters' experiences?

I have a background in psychotherapy and hypnosis. The word mesmerize is derived from Dr. Mesmer who performed hypnosis during Benjamin Franklin’s time. When you become mesmerized, you can’t think of anything or, in this case, anyone else. We fall in love and become mesmerized.

Delphina is a therapeutic storyteller — a fascinating profession. How did you develop her character, and does she share any of your own sensibilities?

I’ve been a therapist for over 35 years, and what happens during the sessions? People share their stories. I decided to have Delphina modify her role to become a therapeutic storyteller. And yes, I embedded elements of my psyche into her persona.

The story spans multiple settings — Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai. How did you choose these locations, and how do they shape the tone and journey of the characters? Did you have a favorite setting to research and write?

As I mentioned earlier, I became quite familiar with Las Vegas. I haven’t returned there since 2015, so why not travel back in the form of a story.

Regarding Boston, my husband and I lived outside of the city for several years, so I’m quite familiar with it.

And Dubai? I’m fascinated by the Burj Al Arab Hotel. It screams elegance and is quite unique. Because I love having glamour in my novels, I couldn’t resist, which prompted me to research it. Also, I had read another WSJ article that discussed beauty contests for camels, so I wove that into my novel.

As a licensed therapist, how has your professional background influenced the emotional layers of your characters?

God called me into the helping profession, and over the span of decades, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with a variety of people from all backgrounds. My work and experience has provided me with a great understanding of human behavior. The resilience of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me.

How do you balance those realistic emotional struggles with a message of hope and redemption?

One of my strengths as a therapist is to offer hope and a positive message. For clients who have been with me for any length of time, they know that I never give up on them. I try to convey the same hope in my novels.

What did writing Mesmerize teach you that your debut didn't?

Coming to understand my voice. Visible introduced me to it, and Mesmerized reinforced it.

Tell us about your writing life. Are you a plotter or a pantser (or something in between)? How do you fit writing into your busy schedule as a therapist?

I’m involved in writing sprints, which I find quite motivating. I’ve also started dictating, but right now, I’m in the middle of editing, so dictation has been put aside.

I’m 85-90 percent pantser with a bit of plotting in me. I know where I’m going, but I’m not always sure how I’ll get there.

Three weeks a month on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I meet with clients. Most of the time, I cannot write on those two days.

Please tell us what’s up for you next. Are you working on a third project?

I was editing two novels, but I’ve just put one aside.

The other, Enthralled, is a contemporary romance with a twist. The setting is Mykenos, which I visited last summer. The novel involves a Boston dating coach who travels to the Greek island for her brother’s wedding to a mysterious woman. While there, she meets with a Greek-American billionaire, seeking out her professional services. I hope to have it finished soon.

Lastly, if you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?

Wow. This is a tough one. Like most writers, I’m a voracious reader. At one time, I would have said The Kite Runner. But now, it would be Francine Rivers’ remarkable novel, Redeeming Love. Both novels touched my soul.

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At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children, whom they homeschooled. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel releases in 2025.