Category Archives: The Writing Life

Jane Doe or Lillian Duncan?

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Jane Doe or Lillian Duncan?

I have a little more in common with JANE DOE than I usually have with my characters and I can admit that makes me a little uncomfortable. True the details are completely different but there are some commonalities as well.

Jane Doe also known as Raven Marks survives a brutal kidnapping but just barely. Along with a broken body, her mind is broken.  That’s sound like hitting rock-bottom, doesn’t it? Even though, I’ve never survived a brutal kidnapping, I have hit rock-bottom–physically.  I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in 2012. They were non-cancerous but they still wreaked havoc on my health.  By the end of five years of treatment, I had to use a walker; barely had the energy to walk to the kitchen; was completely deaf in one ear and partly deaf in the other; severe balance issues as well as a multitude of other “little” symptoms.

When you hit rock-bottom physically, it can affect you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  I’m also sure the reverse is true as well–if you hit rock-bottom in one of the other areas, it can affect you physically as well. When you hit rock-bottom, whether it’s physically or spiritually, that’s when your faith will either grow or you’ll get stuck in the situation.

The choice is yours, just as it was up to me to decide.

I knew I would never be as healthy as I was before the tumors, but I decided I wanted to be as healthy as I could be. That meant believing God’s promises–even when it seemed impossible–even when I wanted to give up–even when I didn’t see any improvement.  Hebrews 11: 1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In other words, believing when it seems impossible–believing without seeing.

In JANE DOE, Raven literally hits rock-bottom when she’s thrown off a cliff. As Raven struggles to rebuild her life, she learns that God is still trustworthy; that God is still faithful and loving; and  that God is still all-powerful. Her belief in God gives her hope for the future and assurance about what we do not see.

That is faith!

I learned those same things during my journey to a healthy-er me. And that’s what I hope my readers learn when they read JANE DOE!

 

GIVEAWAY!

I usually have a giveaway to celebrate a new release and this time is no exception. The first giveaway will be here on my blog, but there will be a second giveaway later, but you’ll have to wait until next week for that information  For now, leave a comment on any of my Jane Doe blogs, and you’ll be entered to win one of three  $10 AMAZON GIFT CARDS! That’s right–three winners! But wait…there’s more!  If you tweet, or post about JANE DOE  on your social media, I’ll give you a second entrance.  Just enter the link as a comment and you’ll be entered a second time. EASY PEASY!

Here’s a few examples of a tweet or post you can use:

A Broken Body. A Broken Mind. What if she isn’t his last victim? JANE DOE by LillianDuncan https://buff.ly/2Zf6NdV

A chance to win Amazon Gift Cards at Tiaras & Tennis Shoes to celebrate  the release of JANE DOE. No purchase necessary to be entered. For more details, go to www.lillian-duncan.com 

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN ON JULY 20TH. PLEASE SIGN UP TO FOLLOW THIS BLOG SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON THE WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT! THANKS.

 

God Bless & Good Reading!

IT’S HERE! JANE DOE!

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JANE DOE is my latest novel and it’s a doozy!

What’s the genre you ask? It’s suspense with lots of drama and action…but it also a political thriller…but it also has a lot of mystery components…but there’s the romance element as well… and let’s not forget the spiritual message! No matter what genre you classify it as, it’s one I think you’ll enjoy!

So how did JANE DOE come about? I’d finished all my edits on a current book and was feeling very uninspired. I had no idea for my next story, so I went on FB and asked people to send me an idea for my next suspense novel. An old high school friend sent me the suggestion to write a story where the main character struggled with memory loss. Mmmm… but the old amnesia plot has been done and it’s a big no-no that writing experts warn against.

Still, I took the challenge and wrote JANE DOE.

It’s definitely not your typical amnesia plot, but the main character is haunted by her memories. First, because she doesn’t have them and then because she does!

Raven Marks survives a brutal kidnapping but just barely. Along with a broken body, her mind is broken. Even though she can’t remember the details of her kidnapping, she’s haunted by the thought that someone else is being victimized by the kidnapper she can’t remember.

Her journey to discover the truth leads her to the highest politicians in the state and then the country. Each reclaimed memory brings her closer to the truth—and to even more danger.

I’m not going to give away the plot, but there’s plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading late into the night!

 

GIVEAWAY!

I usually have a giveaway to celebrate a new release and this time is no exception. The first giveaway will be here on my blog, but there will be a second giveaway later, but you’ll have to wait until next week for that information  For now, leave a comment on any of my Jane Doe blogs, and you’ll be entered to win one of three  $10 AMAZON GIFT CARDS! That’s right–three winners! But wait…there’s more!  If you tweet, or post about JANE DOE  on your social media, I’ll give you a second entrance.  Just enter the link as a comment and you’ll be entered a second time. EASY PEASY!

Here’s a few examples of a tweet or post you can use:

A Broken Body. A Broken Mind. What if she isn’t his last victim? JANE DOE by LillianDuncan https://buff.ly/2Zf6NdV

A chance to win Amazon Gift Cards at Tiaras & Tennis Shoes to celebrate  the release of JANE DOE. No purchase necessary to be entered. For more details, go to www.lillian-duncan.com 

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN ON JULY 20TH. PLEASE SIGN UP TO FOLLOW THIS BLOG SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON THE WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT! THANKS.

 

God Bless & Good Reading!

 

 

Round Lake

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Round Lake is one of my favorite places!

         

It’s a church camp for children but I never went there as a child.

But it’s still one of my favorite places.

Even though it’s for children, twice a year (Memorial Day and Labor Day), they have something called Family Camp. People from all over Ohio come for a weekend of camping with their church family.  It’s a wonderful and very special time. I’ve learned many things while having a fun time at Family Camp. Maybe, I’ll write another post called Lessons from Round Lake, but not today.

Round Lake is special, not just to me, but to everyone who’s attended there over the years. In fact, I’ve heard more than one person describe it as “Holy Ground.” The first time I heard it described that way, it resonated in me. Round Lake truly is Holy Ground. Over the years thousands of children have been taught about God there; but even more important, they met God at Round Lake.

As a writer, something that special doesn’t go unnoticed to me. For more years than I can remember, I wanted to write a story that included Round Lake. I sort of knew the premise of the story I wanted to write but never did anything about it. Until now! Last year after I finished and submitted this year’s books to my publisher, I decided it was time. So I wrote part of the story and got stuck and then I’d write a little more and get stuck. Again and again.

It was really frustrating! I usually can write the first draft of a novel in about a month but not this time. To say it was slow going would be an understatement. But when something’s important to me, I don’t give up too easily. So I kept plugging along. And still there was nothing in it about Round Lake and no way to get there. Yet. But then the story started falling in place. It’s ended up in a series I titled THE LAST CHRISTIAN.  I released the second story–MESSENGER–before the first story–THE LAST CHRISTIAN. But I’ve got it all arranged now. THE LAST CHRISTIAN–MESSENGER–UNCITIZEN–EXILE in that order.

The first three books have been released–and still no Round Lake. The first story, THE LAST CHRISTIAN is a short novella to introduce NewAmerica–a country where even saying the name of God is a crime! MESSENGER introduces Magdalena Denton, the main character in the last three stories. She’s an unlikely messenger, but when God has a message he always finds the right messenger. I’m in the middle of writing EXILE now. And I’m getting very close to Round Lake–or maybe I should say the characters are getting very close to Round Lake.

I’m so excited about The Last Christian series. It’s filled with lots of drama and suspense but has a deep spiritual message that is very relevant to the times we’re living in right now. When I started writing these stories last year, I had no idea that they’d be released in the middle of the pandemic when so many people are so afraid and worried about the future. Magdalena and her friends learn a valuable lesson throughout the stories. God promises never to forsake his children even in the darkest of times–and he always keeps his promises!

AMAZON LINK

AMAZON LINK      

AMAZON LINK

 

GOD BLESS & GOOD READI

NEW BOOK ALERT! MESSENGER

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I’m so excited to let everyone know that the first in my MESSENGER Series will be releasing on February 29!  As of now, it will be a 3-book series, the second will be UNCITIZEN and the third, EXILE.
This story has rattled around in my brain for a long…long time. It’s not my usual suspense but it has a lot of suspense and action in it. It’s a dystopian novel.  In case you don’t know what that means, it’s when a novel is set in an imagined society where there is great suffering or injustice. So that definitely means lots of action and suspense.
Magdalena Denton is an unlikely messenger since she’s grown up in the godless country of NewAmerica where all religion has been banned even saying the name of God is punishable by death! But when God has a message, he will always find a MESSENGER!

Life is perfect in NewAmerica. No crime. No poverty. No war. No discrimination.

Life is perfect as long as you’re a loyal citizen.

Life is perfect as long as you follow The Guardian Rules without question.

All religion has been banned, even uttering the name of God is a crime punishable by death. Magdalena Denton is an unlikely messenger, but when a patient braves the consequences to tell her The Guardians have deceived everyone about God, she’s determined to discover the truth.

Life is perfect in NewAmerica until the moment you wonder…is there a God?

 

Magdalena lives in a society that is controlled by The Guardians. The Guardians are in control…of every aspect of a person’s life.  In return, loyal citizens are provided with all that they need for a good life; housing; clothing, food; and entertainment. Magdalena knows she should be happy, but she’s not. When a patient tells her that God is real and he loves her, she wants to know the truth–no matter how dangerous it is. And it’s very dangerous!

Even though I’ve classified the story as YA novel (young adult), but it’s not just for the young. In fact, it’s a timeless story that people of any age will enjoy. There’s two aspects to MESSENGER. There’s the literal plot with lots of suspense, action, and a little romance. But then there’s the spiritual lessons that are a part of the story as well.

I usually have a giveaway to celebrate a new release and I do this time but…. the giveaway is on my new blog–MODERN DAY PARABLES. To learn about the giveaway, go to Modern Day Parables and leave a comment under the MESSENGER POST. And while you’re there, sign up to follow the blog so you don’t miss any other giveaways! Thanks,

God Bless & Good Reading!

 

 

All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead!

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All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead–how’s that for a great title for my latest Christmas novella. And if that wasn’t enough, look at the great cover my publisher created!

 

AMAZON BUY LINK

 

Between the title and the cover, it should tell readers one thing. This is going to be a fun story! And that’s exactly what it is.

Every year my publisher puts on a Christmas Extravaganza! I love that word—extravaganza. It’s fun to say. Anyway…what’s a Christmas Extravaganza? My publisher releases a group of novellas with a Christmas theme and for a certain time they’re only 99 cents! How’s that for an extravaganza?

Murder, Mayhem & Christmas? Really? On the surface, it may seem that murder and mayhem doesn’t necessarily go with Christmas, but I love weaving a Christmas story in with suspense and romance. I have several other Christmas stories available—The Christmas Stalking; The Christmas Angel Thief; No Home for the Holidays; and A Christmas Stolen.

Johnny Rocker considers himself a rock and roll god and therefore, he doesn’t need God. But as with all of us, God has a way of getting our attention when he wants it.

Maddie Cotton’s plan for Christmas are simple. She’s quitting her bodyguard job because it’s time for a change in her life. But one simple word changes those plans—Nineveh.

So exactly how does God get Johnny Rocker’s attention and what does Nineveh have to do with it? You’ll have to read the book to find out.I won’t tell you the plot but I will tell you that story is about how much God loves each of us—no matter what we’ve done.

And isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?

All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead releases on November 27th, but you can preorder it right now.

AMAZON BUY LINK

Merry Christmas to all!

 

 

 

TRAPPED-Baby Steps

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As you know, TRAPPED is my latest romantic suspense novel—heavy on the suspense but enough romance to add to the enjoyment. Being Christian Fiction,  there’s also a spiritual message hidden in the pages of the story as well, and this one is no exception.

Angelina Matthews had the perfect life until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a mad man. Even though she’s rescued, she remains trapped by the memories she can’t forget. That’s true for so many of us. Even after the “bad situation” whatever that may be is resolved, we get stuck and can’t seem to move forward with our lives.

Instead, we’re angry and bitter or maybe sad and fearful or most likely a combination of all of those negative emotions.

In the story, her rescuer discovers that Angelina is indeed still trapped by her horrible experience. He’s had his own share of horrible as a Chicago policeman. Because of that, he reaches out to help Angeling.

One of the mantras in the story is “baby steps.” So often we think we have to go from a sitting position to a full-out run or we are a failure. It’s not true. Each baby step, we take will move us toward our ultimate goal–no matter what it is. It’s not important how fast we start but that we start. As the turtle and the hare found out–slow and steady wins the race!

One example from my own life is my weight loss journey. It took me a long, long time to lose 60 pounds. I’m still holding at the 50 pound mark. It wasn’t easy! Some weeks, I would only see a miniscule loss even though I followed the plan perfectly. But each of those miniscule losses eventually led to a pound and another pound and another

Each baby step we take toward our goal is a win. Every win brings us closer to our ultimate victory!

But TRAPPED isn’t a self-help book, it’s a suspense novel. That means there’s lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing who the bad guy is until the very end!

Here’s the AMAZON LINK.

To celebrate the release of TRAPPED, I’m having a giveaway! Actually two different giveaways.

One lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card as well as a choice of one of my books (e-book only) through CelebrateLit. Click Here to enter that giveaway.  https://promosimple.com/ps/e958/trapped-celebration-tour-giveaway

I’m also having a giveaway here on my own blog.  One person will win another $25 Amazon gift card and five lucky winners will win their choice of one of my e-books . To be entered all you need to do is leave a comment under any of the TRAPPED posts. Don’t know what to say as a comment, how about we do something fun–ask me a question and I’ll answer it or tell you it’s none of your business–just kidding–I hope!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

TRAPPED–The Heroine

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We’ve already talked about the hero of TRAPPED so it’s only fair to talk about the heroine. Angelina is rich, famous, and beautiful. Her life is all about her life because after all she is rich, famous, and beautiful. It’s not giving away the plot to tell you that the story starts with her trapped and kidnapped in a basement. She has plenty of time to reflect on her life choices and how they contributed to her being trapped in that basement. She cries out to God for help–as many of us do in difficult circumstances.

Help comes in the form of our hero–Nate Goodman.

Now the question becomes was Angelina sincere as she called out to God. Will she keep her promises to God? Or will she go back to her own selfish lifestyle? Only time will tell!

Here’s the AMAZON LINK.

To celebrate the release of TRAPPED, I’m having a giveaway! Actually two different giveaways.

One lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card as well as a choice of one of my books (e-book only) through CelebrateLit. Click Here to enter that giveaway.  https://promosimple.com/ps/e958/trapped-celebration-tour-giveaway

I’m also having a giveaway here on my own blog.  One person will win another $25 Amazon gift card and five lucky winners will win their choice of one of my e-books . To be entered all you need to do is leave a comment under any of the TRAPPED posts. Don’t know what to say as a comment, how about we do something fun–ask me a question and I’ll answer it or tell you it’s none of your business–just kidding–I hope!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

Coming Soon…TRAPPED

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Yay! It seems like forever since I wrote this story, but it’s finally releasing. Well, not quite yet–but soon! However; you can order it as a Preorder on Amazon or other book sites right now. TRAPPED will be releasing on September 27. Here’s the AMAZON LINK.

TRAPPED is a definite page turner. Angelina Matthews has it all—riches; fame; and beauty. Her life is perfect until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a mad man! But that’s just where the story starts. To get to the ending, you’ll go on a journey with more twists and turns than you can imagine. 

To celebrate the release of TRAPPED, I’m having a giveaway! Actually two different giveaways.

One lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card as well as a choice of one of my books (e-book only) through CelebrateLit. Click Here to enter that giveaway.  https://promosimple.com/ps/e958/trapped-celebration-tour-giveaway

I’m also having a giveaway here on my own blog.  One person will win another $25 Amazon gift card and five lucky winners will win their choice of one of my e-books . To be entered all you need to do is leave a comment under any of the TRAPPED posts. Don’t know what to say as a comment, how about we do something fun–ask me a question and I’ll answer it or tell you it’s none of your business–just kidding–I hope!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

A Writer’s Life–Part 7–The David Years

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Last Chance

to win your choice of one of my books!

 

OK, so I had all the great plans for the release of my latest book-The David Years, including giving away books to five lucky people here on my blog.  But life doesn’t always happen the way you plan it. My book released on August 2 as I was in the midst of a family health crisis. My older sister passed away on August 5. She was quite the character and one of these days, you might see her in one of my books. In the meantime, she’s greatly missed.

Because of that I didn’t really promote the giveaway for The David Years the way I planned.

So, here’s the info. Leave a comment on this blog post to be entered to win your choice of one of my e-books, including The David Years. Five winners will be chosen so lots of chances to win. Last day to enter is September 1–my anniversary by the way! Don’t forget to leave a comment. Thanks!

God Bless & Good Reading!

Ted Dekker and Bravery?

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I thought I’d share a writer’s secret with you today.  This was something I learned as I wrote my first manuscript many–many years ago. It was surprising. It was unexpected. It was unsettling. In fact, it was terrifying! At least terrifying to an introvert like me.

Are you ready for this big secret?

A writer shares a part of themselves in every book they write!

Maybe that doesn’t surprise you, but it sure surprised me at the time. After all, fiction is fiction, right? By its very definition that makes it not true. I’m not talking about the facts of a story or the plot, though I’m certainly guilty of borrowing from my own life now and then as I write my stories. I’m talking about on a different level.

I’m talking about the truth of who we are.

We can’t completely hide ourselves as we create stories about the human experience. And every fiction story is about the human experience even if the story’s set in another universe or time or with robots, animals or other creatures as the main characters. It’s still about the human experience.

So what’s this secret have to do with Ted Dekker and bravery?

I just finished reading his novel, RISE OF THE MYSTICS. It is the second novel in a two-part series. The first was THE 49TH MYSTIC. I’ll do a review tomorrow, but today I want to talk about Ted Dekker’s bravery. If you don’t know Ted Dekker’s books, they can be described as horror, supernatural, and/or fantasy but with a Christian message. And he’s been successful–very successful. HIs books are best sellers.

As you read these two books, it will become obvious that he’s sharing his own spiritual journey and truths with his readers in the form he’s so good at–fiction. Whether you like or dislike the story, whether you agree or disagree with him, you can’t deny that Ted Dekker is willing to make himself and his readers uncomfortable in order to share his spiritual journey. And that makes him one of the bravest writers I know!

Well done, Ted Dekker!

God Bless & Good Reading!

Rise of the Mystics (Beyond the Circle Book #2)