Tag Archives: Christian fiction

just for fun!!

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Fridays are usually for my friends but I hate to get in a rut so… today is just for fun. In July, DEADLY COMMUNICATIONS was released. It features a speech pathologist who gets a little too involved with her clients! Anyway…I’ve been writing for 19 years and Deadly Communications was my first effort of blending my real life job with my writing.

Why is that?

Because I know just how boring being a speech pathologist can be. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved my job and I miss it– a lot! But the reality of the job is it can be a bit repetitious to say the least. I’ve listened to more Ss and Rs than you can even imagine.

So it was hard for me to imagine a story with a speech pathologist that could be exciting and interesting to readers. Sure I found it super exciting when I heard a child say “Sally sells seashells by the seashore.” perfectly–but that’s me.

Anyway, one day the story popped into my head. I now have 3 Deadly Communications mysteries written. The second will be released sometime next year.  So this was a long way of getting to my point.

There are jobs that lend themselves to suspense and mystery stories, such as police officers, private investigators, even reporters. But a speech pathologist? The thing is I’m not a police officer, a private investigator or a reporter. But I’m none of those things so when I use those characters I have to go light on the job aspect but I didn’t have to do that with DEADLY COMMUNICATIONS.

I was able to write my therapy scenses with complete confidence that it was realistic.

Let’s have some fun!

I’d love to hear your scenario for your job or someone else’s along with a suspense scenario for it.

Example: A speech pathologist who gets too involved with her clients finds herself  facing a kidnapper without any backup or a gun!

So, what’s your job and the suspense scenario to go with it?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

My Friday Friend–Ada Brownell

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Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo. She also is a veteran youth Christian education teacher. After moving to Missouri in her retirement, she continues to write books, free lance for Sunday school papers, Christian magazines, write op-ed pieces for newspapers. and blogs with stick-to-your-soul encouragement. She is critique group leader of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Her newest release is THE LADY FUGITIVE  I don’t know about you, but I love this cover, and that makes me want to read the book.

 

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The Lady Fugitive by Ada Brownell

 

How does a respected elocutionist become a face on a wanted poster?

Jenny Louise Parks escapes from the coal bin, and her abusive uncle offers a handsome reward for her return. Because he is a judge, he will find her or he won’t inherit her parents’ ranch.

Determination to remain free grips Jenny, especially after she meets William and there’s a hint of romance. But while peddling household goods and showing a Passion of the Christ moving picture, he discovers his father’s brutal murder.

Will Jenny avoid the bounty hunters? Can she forgive the person who turns her in? Will she find peace, joy and love?

 

I guess you’ll have to read the book to discover the answers! Sounds like a wonderful book, Ada.

Thaks for being my friend on this Friday.

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

Writer of the Day–E.A.West

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My guest writer today is E.A.West, an award-winning author of sweet and inspirational romance, is a lifelong lover of books and storytelling. In high school, she picked up her pen in a creative writing class and hasn’t laid it down yet. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, and crocheting. She lives in Indiana with her family and a small zoo of pets.

You can connect with her on a variety of  places, including her website at www.eawest.mcphitty.com  and her blog at http://thewestcorner.wordpress.com.

She’s here to talk about her latest release–DIFFERENT.

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DIFFERENT: Anything can happen when the rules change…

Jezebel Smith is different. She can’t talk, she doesn’t look like anyone in her family, and no matter what she does it’s always the wrong thing. God accepts her for who she is, but He’s the only one who does. Then she finds an unconscious man in her favorite cave, and her life is turned upside down. New people and new rules collide with the old, leaving Jezebel unsure of which set of rules apply to her life. When the strangers in town attempt to help her out of the nightmare she’s grown up in, it promises to change her life forever.

Here’s a short excerpt from Different:

The distant drip of water echoed off the rocky walls as Jezebel Smith wandered through her cave. Pungent fumes from her kerosene lantern stung her nose, and she wished for a flashlight. But her family would miss a flashlight. They never noticed when she took the old lantern from the barn.

Turning her face away from the lantern, she caught a whiff of the familiar scent of the rocks around her. She loved the fresh, earthy smell of her cave. Through countless hours of careful practice, her hiking boots barely produced a whisper on the bumpy path leading to her special cavern. If she swung the lantern on its creaky handle, however, she could fill the cave with a creepy echo that reminded her of Halloween.

She passed through an opening in the wall and entered a large cavern with several ledges in one end. As she approached the lowest ledge, the glow from her lantern touched an unfamiliar lump on the floor below the rocky shelf and she froze. She knew every inch of this cavern — every rock, ledge, and bump in the floor. No one ever came here. Nothing ever changed unless she changed it. The cave was the only thing she could count on to always stay the same.

This time, however, there was something new. The cave had broken its own rules, adding a boulder where one didn’t belong. She crept toward it, fighting tears of hurt that the cave would trick her like everyone else, and the golden light of her lantern revealed it wasn’t a boulder after all — it was the still form of a man. Her pulse pounded in her ears, so loud it threatened to drown out her own thoughts. Where had he come from? Why wasn’t he moving? Her heart skipped a beat. Was he dead?

 

Wow! Sounds like a good book! Thanks for stopping by, E.A. Here are the links to buy this wonderful book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Different-E-West-ebook/dp/B00M0E4ZU0

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1119984134?ean=2940149685615

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/460703

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

My Writing Journey–Why Christian Fiction?

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I didn’t start out writing Christian fiction. My first bumbling efforts at writing novels were filled with all the things I now proudly tell people are NOT in my books–bad language and explicit sex scenes.  Anyway, I can tell you I am so thankful I wasn’t published until I made the switch to writing Christian Fiction.

So what exactly is Christian Fiction? The answer to that question is as varied as the books you’ll find when you search the genre Christian Fiction. A few years ago a preacher I was listening to gave this definition for a parable:

It’s an earthly story with a heavenly message.

As soon as I heard that definition, it resonated with me. That’s the way I view Christian fiction–an earthly story with a heavenly message. Or in the case of science fiction it might be an-out-of-this-world story but it still has that heavenly message!

So, what’s the heavenly message? Again, there are lots of choices. Most of my stories seem to focus on God’s love; forgiving others; and living out the Golden rule.  I don’t limit myself to those themes, it just seems to work out that way most of the time.

I’m not much for following rules, but I do have a few as I write. First absolutely NO bad language, NO explicit sex scenes; and NO premarital sex (though a character make reference to it but always as a regret or a mistake.) Most of my characters are Christians at various stages on their walk with God. Some may not be actively following their faith at the beginning of the story, but as the story progresses, so does their faith.

So, I’m not just a writer, I’m a Christian writer. And I’m not just a Christian writer, I’m a Christian Fiction writer, and for me that means something. Just as the title Christian means something.  Taking the title of Christian Fiction writer means I will write in such a way as to be God’s ambassador to my readers.

Sounds a bit lofty and even arrogant, doesn’t it?

As someone said (I think it was JFK) we’re either part of the problem or part of the solution. I choose to be part of the solution with the stories I write. There’s so much darkness in this world, I want to add some light. So even though I write mysteries and suspense stories, they have a message of faith, hope and love.

And that’s how I derived my tagline: Lillian Duncan…stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem!

 

 

They’re baaaack…

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Reggie and Dylan are back in my new release, UNTIL DEATH DO US PART.  We first met them in Pursued as they met, were chased by a crazed killer, and fell in love.  Now they’re married. Happily married you ask? Well….you’ll have to read the story to find the answer to that question. But I can tell you there are plenty of hold-your-breath moments as Reggie and Dylan live out their faith–meaning helping others who are in trouble.  And trouble they find!

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AMAZON LINK

 

 UNTIL DEATH DO US PART:

When Reggie vowed until death do us part, she had no idea how close she’d come.

Newlywed Reggie Monroe struggles to find her happily ever after. As much as she loves her husband, she finds life to be overwhelming as she attempts to be the perfect farmer’s wife in rural Ohio.

When Dylan receives a mysterious message from his best friend, he knows trouble is brewing. To keep Reggie safe, he encourages her to visit friends, but keeping secrets from Reggie is never a good idea. It only makes her more curious—and everyone knows that curiosity killed the cat!

Until Death Do Us Part becomes more than words as Reggie struggles to stay alive and reunite with her husband.

AMAZON LINK

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

What’s Your Purpose?

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I’ve been gone for awhile, but I’m back! Or so I hope. Because of my health issues, I only have so much energy in a day. And most of that energy is focused on writing my fictional stories. That means some things take a back seat–actually a lot, especially house work!  And I don’t feel a bit guilty about that. Writing is my ministry. It’s my service and my gift to God.

Miriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines ministry as something used to achieve an end. That definition works for me. For a Christian, the end is glorifying God by adding to His kingdom, both in heaven and on earth. Some of us may think of ministries as church activities and only church activities. They include preaching, singing, teaching,  missionary work, and other church-related activities.

But this is a limiting view of ministry as far as I’m concerned. Any activity you choose to do on a regular basis that glorifies God in some way becomes your ministry.

If you grow a huge garden and share the food with others—that’s a ministry.

If you babysit for young parents so they can have a date—that’s a ministry.

If you volunteer at a school, a hospital, or whatever—that’s a ministry.

When you make a conscious choice to do something and do it for God’s glory, it becomes a ministry. Teaching in a public school can be your ministry if you do it in such a way to glorify God. Being a good neighbor can be your ministry. God gives each of us different passions and abilities and when we use them to glorify God, then that activity becomes a ministry.

I know some of you may disagree (and that’s OK). You feel that it’s only a legitimate ministry if it’s related to the church you attend, but good works are not limited to church activities. In fact, I would challenge you to say that more of us need to step out of the church building to do good works and to find our ministry.

Finding your purpose can change the way you live. It will give you the power to say no to activities that distract you from your purpose which is also God’s purpose.

Writing is my ministry–my gift to God. He’s not gifted me to be a great theological writer. Instead I tell stories. I tell stories that show Christian characters trying to do the best they can in whatever circumstances they find themselves. I write stories to entertain Christians and non-Christians alike, but I write those stories in such a way as to glorify God as well.

It took me many years to get published by a traditional publisher. And during those years, I spent countless hours at my computer writing. Each hour spent made me a better writer. To spend those hours writing, I had to say no to other activities and you may need to do the same–no matter what your ministry is.

This may not be easy and some people will not take kindly to you when you refuse to volunteer for whatever the next event may be, especially if you’re a pre-published writer. Now, I’m not saying to not participate and volunteer for SOME things. Of course, you should, but you also need the freedom to say no when it’s appropriate so you can follow the dream God’s put on your heart.

So, I’d love to hear from some of you. What’s your ministry? How has that ministry affected your life?

CELEBRATION!!!

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AND A GIVEAWAY!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment. Winner will be drawn on Feb. 14!

This is a special day for me so I hope you’ll come celebrate the day with me. My eighth book is being released today. BETRAYED is the second in my Sisters by Choice series (DECEPTION was the first.) You might think after seven books, a new release is just one more, not that big of a deal. Wrong! It’s might not be that big of a deal to anyone else, but it is to the writer. If not, they shouldn’t be writing.

But this is even a bigger deal to me.  

I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in 2012. Since then, I’ve had two treatments and all the side effects that go with the treatments. I am not the same person I was on the day I was diagnosed. Chances are I will never be as healthy as I was.  I have permanent balance and hearing issues that aren’t going away–unless God chooses to heal me.

 As we get older many of us will face serious health issues, just as I have and still am. When that happens we can give up or we can keep going on the best we can. Sometimes, adjustments have to be made to the situation, but that’s not the same as giving up. And I have no plans on giving up any time soon!

 So, come celebrate with me today!

 Ever wonder what kind of woman can be married to a terrorist and not know it? 

BETRAYED:  

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake.

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AMAZON LINK

To celebrate the release of BETRAYED, I’m giving away a virtual gift basket! The virtual gift basket includes: DECEPTION, the first in the Sisters By Choice series as well as a copy of my books, SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO; DARK ALLEYS; and GEESE MATE FOR LIFE.  Along with the books, a $25 Amazon gift card is included. To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post.  To earn an extra entry, share this post on Twitter, FB, or any social media site, then be sure to tell me in the comment that you did.

Winner will be chosen and announced on February 14.

GIVEAWAY OF GOODIES!

AMAZON GIFT CARD–$25

An ecopy of each of my books:

BETRAYED–Maria gave up everything to protect her daughter, but her dead husband just called from the grave!

DECEPTION–When a niece she knows nothing about calls, Patti must unravel the truth of her twin sister’s life and her disappearance.

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING–Country music star, Destiny’s life isn’t all glitz and glamour, someone wants her dead!

PURSUED–Trusting Dylan will either be her best decision or her last!

DARK ALLEYS–Homeless and alone, Tessa witnesses a murder, now he’s after her.

SERENITIY SPRINGS, OHIO–His open and shut case just got complicated.

GEESE MATE FOR LIFE–Jenni wants justice for her murdered husband, but is she willing to die for it?

Books by Other Writers:

GLASS by Suzanne Williams: Andre Garner, up-and-coming glassmaker, thought the trip to the island was worth the risk. He’s been warned the place is full of mystery, and that the old woman living there is peculiar and anything can happen.

Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books. Her  blog link is at http://suzanne-williams-photography.blogspot.com/

Escape to Big Fork Lake by Mary L. Ball: A Romantic Suspense–Will an inheritance bring happiness or a trap for murder?

Mary L. Ball lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. She is a member of ACFW and loves the outdoors. The characters in her novels face real-life problems while learning the true meaning of grace.  Amazon link:   http://buff.ly/1gvDuGM    

 Cleansed by Fire, by James R. Callan: Churches are being torched and a man is killed. One minister is swept into the search for the arsonists. But can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?

James R. Callan has written six mystery/suspense books and four non-fiction books. His latest suspense book is A Ton of Gold (2013). His latest non-fiction book is How to Write Great Dialog (2014).  His website is: www.jamesrcallan.com

The Last Detail by Lisa J Lickel: Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding?

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author, editor, and mentor. She collects dragons and loves to connect with other writers. Visit www.LisaLickel.com. 

Heaven’s Prey by Janet Sketchley: A grieving woman is abducted by a serial killer—and it may be the answer to her prayers. Heaven’s Prey tells the story of a villain’s last chance at redemption and a vulnerable woman’s obedience to pray for her enemy.

Janet Sketchley is a Canadian author who writes about God’s tenacity and how faith applies to real life, through weekly devotionals and Christian living posts on her blog. Learn more about Janet at http://janetsketchley.ca/.

Imagine The Future You by Ada Brownell:  This motivational Bible study will help you discover evidence for faith; how to look and be your best; who can help; choosing a career; and how to avoid hazards, all mingled with true stories that make you smile. Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a journalist for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado.

Journey of Eleven Moons by Bonnie Leon: A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another, a tsunami wipes their tribe from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya, who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons.  She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon.  They have three grown children and seven grandchildren. You can find Bonnie at http://www.bonnieleon.com

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED IN THE CONTEST!

Thanks,

UNTIL NEXT TIME…God Bless & Good Reading!

Heaven’s Prey Blog Chase

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Heaven's Prey Blog Chase graphic

Heaven’s Prey is a novel of suspense and redemption, so let’s have some fun with a “blog chase.” Follow the trail between Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, 2013 for a chance to win a print copy of Heaven’s Prey.

You’re at the fifth stop in the chase. Welcome! You’ll need to visit each stop so you’ll know the answers for the quiz at the end … that’s how you enter the prize draw. To start at the beginning, click the arrow:

Arrow to the beginning of the blog chase

Back to the start

Let’s peek into the story world:

Dreams of a dying man haunted Ruth’s sleep, sound-tracked with wild, abandoned wails. Waking, she’d hear an echo in her mind: Somebody had better pray for him…

She didn’t tell Tony.

Tonight the man was drowning. The water turned to quicksand. To fire. Hands of flame clutched him. Another figure plunged into the inferno, but the man twisted free of his rescuer and sank into a red-hot river of magma. The wailing started again, a haunting lament, the worst yet.

Ruth jolted awake. Somebody’d better pray for him…

Tony’s gentle snores didn’t break rhythm. Holding her breath, Ruth eased out from under the covers and sneaked from the bedroom into the den.

She sank to her knees in front of the recliner and cradled her head in her arms. Hopelessness flooded her, sorrow, grief on a level she’d never experienced. Not for her parents’ deaths, her miscarriages, even Susan’s tragedy. Dimly, she realized she was crying.

Was this what God felt when He looked at a lost soul? At that fiend, Silver? Her lungs fought for breath against the weight of mourning. The dark room closed in on her like a collapsed mine shaft. Oh, God, if it means that much to you—if You want him that badly—

She drew a shaky breath and wiped her eyes on the satin sleeve of her pajamas. Another breath, slower this time, then she forced the words out in a whisper. “I will pray for Harry Silver, Father. Because You ask.”

Stepping out of the story …

Did you know? In December, 1917, the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was devastated by the largest man-made explosion before Hiroshima. The Christmas tree the province sends to Boston each year is a gesture of thanks for that city’s help with the relief efforts. (Link: CBC’s Halifax Explosion site)

Eagle photo with prayer quote

arrow to next stop

Next stop on the blog chase

Heaven’s Prey releases November 1, 2013. Visit Choose NOW Publishing to read a sample chapter … just don’t forget to come back to the chase! Preorder links are on the Choose NOW site as well.

Heaven's Prey book blitz click here

Blood & Guts? Yuck!

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I know!  It doesn’t make sense. I write suspense and mystery novels and yet I hate blood and guts type things, especially in movies and TV. I’ll cover my eyes during really gory parts. My husband laughs and asks how can I write suspense stories and still hide my eyes.

I often respond with “If I liked blood, I would have become a doctor!”

Now, I’m not a fainting type person when I see blood, but I’ve been known to gag a time or two during especially gory scenes.

Being squeamish doesn’t stop me from putting a little blood and guts in my scene if it’s necessary. But it’s not always necessary.

I think good suspense writing comes from putting the reader on the edge of their seat. My goal is to make them turn the page to see what’s going to happen next instead of turning off the light to go to sleep.  The way to do that is to create a story that makes them want to find out the ending rather than describing every horrific scene in graphic detail.

What’s your thoughts? Should suspense writers go for the shock value of blood and guts? Does a good suspense story have to be gory?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…God Bless & Good Reading!

 

Writing Stories of Faith…Mingled With Murder And Mayhem

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Christian fiction and murder mysteries? Really?

On the surface the two don’t seem to go together. After all, how can a book where murders, mayhem, and bad guys abound promote Christian values? Can a writer of suspense novels make a difference in a life? Surely not, you say. It might be good entertainment but that’s where it ends. Not so, I say.

Jesus used stories to teach a point—He called them parables. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly message! Don’t you just love that definition? I do! Because that means I write parables–how cool is that?

People love stories. Stories can touch our hearts, stir our imagination, and teach us. Stories allow us to see the truth without the actual experience. Stories give us the opportunity to learn, change, and grow without all the growing pains. Didn’t GONE WITH THE WIND teach us that being selfish and self-centered can ruin our life? Didn’t THE FIRM teach us that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is?

As a writer of Christian fiction, I have two goals with every story I write.

The first and most important goal of any novelist should be to create an entertaining story that readers will love. Writers aren’t there to pontificate their own point of view, to preach, teach or nag. A novelist’s job is to entertain. It’s as simple as that!

The second goal is more subtle but just as important as the first. It is to further God’s Kingdom in some way. In other words an earthly story with a heavenly message!

How this happens varies from book to book depending on the specific story. It may be as simple as portraying Christian characters in a positive light in a world where so much of popular culture denigrates Christianity. Other  times my Christian characters increase their own failth because of the circumstances in the book. Other times I show characters living out their faith in the face of difficult situations. And since I write suspense and mysteries, my characters face a lot of those.

Christian fiction has undergone a revolution.

It’s not your mother’s Christian fiction!

Christian fiction has grown up over the past decade. No longer is it sweet simple stories, but rather Christian fiction has become an umbrella term for many different genres. There’s a book out there for almost any taste you have–romance, suspense, mystery, horror, supernatural, science-fiction, or fantasy.  You name it, and there’s probably a Christian writer out there writing it. If not, you might be the one to write the next big thing!

Not sure how to find the type of books you love to read? ACFW’s Fiction Finder is a great place to start and it’s FREE! Visit  http://www.fictionfinder.com/

No matter what you love to read, you should give Christian fiction a chance.

If stories were good enough for Jesus, then they’re good enough for me!