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New York Times Best Seller Darynda Jones

By Maurissa Munoz

Darynda Jones (Attended) jumped into the world of professional writing as a middle-aged adult. She has been writing all of her life, and recalls making stories since age five, but was not a published author until age 45. She offers one bit of wisdom to her audience that resonates with her own journey, “The key to success is perseverance; keep doing what you love.”

Perseverance was certainly the key to Darynda’s success. She has two book series with St. Martin’s Press. The first series is the Darklight Trilogy, and the second is an-going series called The Charley Davidson Series, which currently has seven books. Both series are in the paranormal mystery genre, and involve aspects of mystery, comedy, romance, and suspense. Darynda is a USA Today and NY Times bestselling author, and has received numerous prominent awards, such as a Golden Heart, a RITA and a Daphne du Maurier.

Darynda Jones
Donita Massey Privett, Times Remembered Photography

Darynda did not initially pursue a career of writing. She first attended UNM and earned a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpreting, and then worked for 10 years as an interpreter and an instructor. It was after college, while working, when Darynda really picked up writing in a more serious way. She began to take intentional time to work on manuscripts and getting published. She became published with her third manuscript, First Grave on the Right, by entering into the prestigious RWA Golden Heart contest, and winning the contest. She now writes as a full-time profession.

When Darynda worked as an interpreter, she attended ENMU and started a master’s degree in English.

Darynda believes everything prepares a person to write. One thing that prepared her for her success was taking classes at ENMU. She had several influential instructors during her time at ENMU. She enjoyed her classes with Dr. Nina Bjornsson and valued her insights because they encouraged her to think in different ways. Darynda’s favorite class was one that was co-taught with Dr. Patrice Caldwell and Dr. Jack Williamson; she values the experience of being able to study under the great Dr. Williamson, “He is such an inspiration.” Dr. Williamson gave Darynda compliments on her dialogue and character development, which to this day are still her strongest points.

As a full-time writer living in Portales, Darynda has stayed connected with ENMU. She has been a guest speaker several times for the Jack Williamson Lectureship Series, and in 2014, she was the guest of honor for the event.

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