Tag Archives: Christian suspense

SPLIT!

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

My new book-SPLIT!-released this week. The book features the Minton family and their bowling center. I love the characters in this book. Yes, I know that I say that with every book I write.

I only say it because it’s true!

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So bowling and a mystery? That’s definitely not the usual setting for a mystery or suspense story. Almost fifteen years ago, I got married. To a bowler! Now if you don’t have a close association with a bowler, you may not know what that means.

For me, it meant I started to bowling.

I am not a natural athlete–at all! And in fact when I started bowling on a league with my husband, my family found it quite amusing. Almost fifteen years later, I’m still not a good bowler. OK, I’m pretty bad! My average is pretty much the same as it was when I started.

But that’s the great thing about bowling. When you bowl on a league, they give you a handicap. Meaning I get extra points because I’m that bad, and that makes me more competitive with the good bowlers.

Originally (actually up until a few weeks ago) the story title was 7/10 Split. As I was making the final revisions, I came to understand that the main character’s (MACY) goal was to keep her family together–not SPLIT up.

By changing the title to SPLIT! I was able to describe the essence of the story in one word as well as use a bowling term! And that’s what I did! Here’s the blurb for the story:

Sometimes life is full of strikes; and sometimes all we get is a split—no matter how well we throw the ball.

After seventeen year-old Macy Minton’s parents died, she’s had only one goal—to keep her family together. Along with the family bowling center, she inherited the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings.

Now seven years later everything is falling apart, especially her family.

Macy thinks life can’t get any worse, but she’s wrong.

As she struggles to keep the bowling alley from closing forever, one tragedy after another threatens to split her family permanently. Convinced someone is intent on destroying her family, she’s determined to stop them.

But first she has to find out who’s responsible.

So that’s the story behind the story of SPLIT!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

IT’S HERE! AND A GIVEAWAY, TOO!

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My latest book will be releasing today. Like me, it’s sweet and short–okay not so sweet. It’s filled with heart-pounding suspense, but it is short. NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY is a novella, meaning short novel. But don’t worry, you don’t get cheated. Because novellas are short, that means there’s action on every page!

Here’s what others are saying about No Home For The Holidays:

No Home for the Holidays is like curling up with a special cup of coffee and a pumpkin muffin–a warm break for a cool day. Enjoy this quick, feel-good read soon! No Home for the Holidays has winter’s glow mixed with suspense and like-able characters–a great read for the season!

–Linda Rondante, author of Looking For Justice

Not your average Christmas story, but the Gospel message still comes through. No Home for the Holidays is the perfect, quick read for the busy Christmas holidays.

– Ruth O’Neil, author of the What a Difference a Year Makes series.

“Lillian Duncan has done it again…. Penned yet another story which grabs the reader and speeds him along a road of story twists and turns.  With a background of Christmas touches, “No Home For the Holidays”  is a quick, suspenseful read with characters who make you care—from hiding secrets to finding  each other’s hearts– under God’s loving gaze.”

—Robin Bayne, author of the Gardner’s Gazebo series:  Prodigal, Samaritan and Christmas Pearl

This utterly absorbing story begins when a preacher’s path crosses that of a frightened woman who is in the midst of a desperate situation. There are engrossing twists and turns throughout and the mesmerizing suspense easily captured my interest. It was gratifying to discover the couple’s relationship with God along the way and to enjoy the thrilling ending.

— Nadine Hapaz, author of My Lord and I: Poems of Faith and Spirituality in Everyday Life

Lillian Duncan has outdone herself. “No Home For The Holidays” is a fast read but so enjoyable, I was sad when it ended. I loved the main characters, Chloe, and Colton, one a pastor on fire for His Lord and determined to remain celibate for the rest of his life, and Chloe is hiding from a past, her family, and equally determined to trust no one.

–Barbara Ann Derksen, author of Shadow Stalker

 

To celebrate the release, I’m giving away Amazon Gift Cards! Five lucky winners will receive $10 Gift cards. Be sure to leave a comment and you’ll be entered! That’s all there is to it. So don’t forget to leave a comment!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

An Interview With Myself!

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When I have a new release I usually create several different posts as I take a book blog tour, which is a fancy way of saying I visit other people’s blogs to talk about my new book. I’m not doing that with The Christmas Angel Thief since I have another book releasing on December 1.

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One of the types of post I do is an interview. So I thought it would be fun to interview myself. Along with that, I’d love to get some questions from you as well. They can be about me, about this book, or even questions about the writing process itself.  So, for the next few weeks, I’ll post a few questions for myself and then see if any of you have any questions for me.

 

What is your writing process?

I’m what they call a “pantser” meaning I write by the seat of the pants. I never know what’s going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face, but anything goes after that. If I’m writing and start to feel bored—then I kill someone, blow something up or do something that’s a complete surprise to me.

And that way it’s a surprise to me and to my readers.

How long does it take you to write a book?

That’s a questions that I get asked a lot and I still don’t have a good answer for it. Because I might work on a story for a few weeks or a  month, then move on to another project, then come back to it at a later time. Another thing I do is work on several writing projects at a time. That means I might spend 30 minutes on a story one day or 2-3 hours on it another day.

Once the first draft is finished, I always set it aside for a while, then come back to it to edit, revise, and polish. I do this several times before I send it to my publisher.

So as you can see, it’s really hard to estimate how long it takes me to “write” a book. But I can say that from start to finish, any full-length book is worked on for at least a few hundred hours.  My novellas would be a shorter time, of course.

 

So there you have it. Two questions that are often asked of me in a typical interview. Now it’s your turn! Post a question for me and I’ll answer it–probably!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL THIEF

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The Christmas Angel Thief is my latest book and it’s about Christmas–of course! Well…sort of…anyway.  Here’s the blurb:

Zoe Adams has a secret—one that’s worth killing for!

As the country’s most infamous PK (preacher’s kid), Zoe chose to rebel against her famous father and his beliefs. Instead, she lived the party lifestyle with the rich and famous of Hollywood until she disappeared after witnessing a crime.

After more than three years of running and hiding, all she wants is to go home for Christmas but knows that can never happen—if she wants to stay alive.

Ex-FBI agent, Marco Bernstein traded his gun in for a Bible. His path crosses with Zoe’s in a most unusual way.  When he recognizes her, he makes a promise to get her home for Christmas

Someone else is just as determined to make sure Zoe never gets home alive so keeping that promise turns out to be more difficult than Marco ever imagined—and even more dangerous!

 

As you can see, it’s a mixture of Christmas, romance, and suspense–three of my very favorite things! Hope you enjoy it–I know I enjoyed writing it!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

 

WRITERLY WISDOM–SHOW DON’T TELL

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I’ve learned a lot about writing during the past twenty years, and a lot of it can be applied to life. That’s what WRITERLY WISDOM is all about.

So, this is actually THE FIRST RULE of writing. There are many things to learn about writing but if you don’t master this one…well, let’s just say the book won’t be as good as it could be.

As a writer, SHOW DON’T TELL means that you don’t tell about the event but you use your words to paint a picture so that the reader is transported into your story.

For example, this is telling: Her wedding was just the way she’d always dreamed it would be.

This is showing:  Marcy gave her niece the signal, a tap on the shoulder. The four-year-old’s little pink dress swished as she made her way down the aisle throwing rose petals as she went. When she saw her mother, she threw her a kiss. 

Marcy straightened out the pearl-laden bodice on her gown, then smiled up at her father. “Are you ready?”

He patted her cheek. “Me? Are you ready? Is this what you want?”

“What do you think? It’s the only think I’ve wanted since I met him when I was twelve.”

He hugged her. “Then lets get this show on the road.”

They stepped forward in unison.

 

So that’s what SHOW DON’T TELL means when you’re writing. But in life, it takes on a different meaning.

In life we do a lot of talking, especially to our children. We’re always telling them what they should do, what they shouldn’t do, the right thing versus the wrong. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, we should tell them that but more than telling them, we should SHOW them.

In other words, actions speak louder than words!

Don’t tell your kids to be kind, show them.

Don’t tell your kids to be honest, show them.

Don’t tell your kids to live a a life of excellence, show them.

So get out there and SHOW DON’T TELL.

Was there a time when words weren’t as important as actions? Tell us about it!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING PROLOGUE

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you know that that means.  Then it will officially be the CHRISTMAS season.  But as far as I’m concerned it already is. I’m waiting for my husband to start dragging up the Christmas trees. Last year we had twelve. Not sure if we’ll put that many up this year. Anyway a few years ago, THE CHRISTMAS STALKING was released but it’s still a great story to help put you in the Christmas mood.

Here’s the prologue that was cut but I still love it so I’m sharing it here. By the way, it’s still one of my very favorite covers.

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The Christmas Stalking  Prologue

 

Her hand froze mid-air as she reached for the door knob. Her pulse ramped up. Destiny Martin had always considered herself brave, but she’d been wrong.

The knock came again.

“Destiny, I can’t get in. Type in the security code so you can open the door.”

Recognizing the voice, she let out a breath. She giggled at the thought of locking her manager out of his own apartment.

Careful to stay out of sight in case anyone was watching, she opened the door. Mark walked in, his hands full of mail, packages, and grocery bags. She slammed the door shut, hoping no one had seen her in that brief second.

“How’re you feeling, sweetikins?” One of the bags fell from Mark’s grasp.

Bending down, she retrieved it. “Sad and lonely. Just like my songs.”

“Why? I’m here and you’ve got tons of friends. Not to mention the millions—no billions of fans.”

She gave him a look—the same one her teachers used when she’d told them she would be a famous country music star someday. “Billions? I don’t think so. Let’s not get carried away.”

Mark shrugged. “Okay. Millions.”

“They love Destiny not me.” She sighed. “They have no idea who I am. I’m not even sure Holly Stone exists anymore.”

Mark winked. “She does and I like her just fine. You’ve got the holiday blues.”

She plopped on his sofa. “Is it any wonder? I’m stuck here and can’t even go outside. Not that it matters, it still wouldn’t feel like Christmas.” Nashville might be all decked out in Christmas cheer but it just wasn’t cold enough. Christmas just wasn’t Christmas without some snow.

“If you don’t like it here, pick another place.” Mark’s voice was quiet.

She’d hurt his feelings. She grinned. “I didn’t mean it like that, sweetikins. Of course, I love being here with you. You’re so kind to let me stay here.” Now that her own home wasn’t so safe.

“Holidays can be tough.”

She set the bag on the coffee table. Not for him. He didn’t spend every Christmas alone, pretending to be busy. “How am I supposed to live my life if I’m hiding in your condo? Like I’m the one who did something wrong. Why can’t they find this guy?”

“Give them time.”

She turned toward him, hands on her hips. Her voice broke. “I’m so tired of all of this… of imposing on you… of not being in my home. But most of all, I’m tired of being afraid.”

“I know it’s tough, but you’re safe here.  I can find you a nicer place if you want. I know this isn’t the luxury you’re used to.”

Mark wasn’t getting it. “Don’t be ridiculous, your condo is wonderful. More amenities and gadgets than any one person would ever need. But I’m not used to being cooped up all the time.”

“It won’t be much longer, sweetikins. I promise.”

“You’re right. I have no intention of missing the concert. I’ve never missed one, and I’m not about to start. Mr. Psycho Stalker or not. Especially since this is for charity.”

“It’s not—”

She held up a hand. “It’s not open for debate. I’m doing that concert and that’s final. My life. My choice.”

“I know but—”

“I’m done with this discussion.”  Turning up her southern accent, she smiled. “Whatdjabringme, sweetikins?” She grabbed at the bags in his hands.

He laughed as he handed one to her. “A few things. I stopped by your house for your mail, and then went to the store for your favorite snacks.”

“Oooh, sounds good. I hope you stopped at that deli with the great shrimp dip.”

“You know I did. You can check out the mail while I put the food away.”

“I love how you spoil me. Besides the food in your fridge is disgusting.”

“That hurts. It really does. I share my home with you. And all you do is hurt me. Not very nice.” He shook his head with feigned sadness.

“Whatever. Let me see my mail.”

He pointed at the plastic grocery bag filled with mail on the coffee table and continued to the kitchen with the grocery bags. “Oh, and that package is for you, too.”

Ignoring the mail, she picked up the box. “Probably a Christmas present from one of my billions of adoring fans.” She sat down and picked it up. “Is it safe?”

“Security said it was fine. No bomb.”

She shook her head. “Can you believe you even said those words? The guy’s an overzealous fan, he’s not going to hurt me.”

He poked his head out from the kitchen. “Tell that to John Lennon, sweetikins.”

Her stomach somersaulted. “I’m done with Mr. Psycho Stalker controlling my life. I’ve been thinking.”

Mark walked out of the kitchen. “I do not like the sound of that. Whenever you say that, it always means more work for me.”

She picked at the tape on the brown wrapped package. “Not this time.”

“What’s your idea?”

“After the concert, Destiny is going to disappear. About time I take a vacation. It’s been a long time since I had one. And you can take one, too.”

Instead of a smile, worry lines appeared on Mark’s forehead. “Where are you going?”

She shook her head. “I’m not even saying the destination out loud. That way no one can follow me.”

Mark stared at her. “That’s not a good idea. I need to know where you are.”

“Why?”

“Because I always know where you are. It’s my job and besides I’ll miss you.”

Uh-oh, she didn’t like the sounds of that. Mark was her manager and friend—nothing more. They’d been spending too much time together. Definitely time for a change.

She smiled. “Yeah, right. You must be so tired of me cramping your style and besides, you deserve a vacation, too. You work—”

Mark’s eyes darkened, his voice firm. “I don’t want a vacation. I want to keep you safe. And I can’t do that if I don’t know where you are.”

“It’s a great idea and you know it. You’re just grumpy you didn’t think of it first.”

Mark walked out of the kitchen. “Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I do, but I’m still not telling you.” She tore open the wrapping on the box in her lap. It revealed a gift box with boughs of dark green holly and bright red berries. “Do you think someone remembered my real name is Holly?”

She lifted up the box lid. Screaming, she jumped up.

A dead cat rolled out.

 

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And that’s how Destiny’s story started. What do you think?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

It’s ME Monday!

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It’s ME Monday and so that means I’m allowed to talk about me. Actually, I’m allowed to talk about me whenever I want–it’s my blog! But I do try to limit it to Mondays since I don’t believe the world revolves around me.

Anyway, I thought it was time to do a little update.

First, let’s talk about my health. Mostly good news in that area. I had an MRI a few weeks ago and the doctors say the brain tumors are stable and shouldn’t be causing any problems. I’m feeling stronger and healthier than I have since I got sick. I can still hear in my one ear! Not the best I’ve ever heard but usable in most situations–not all.  So, thumbs up on my health. It feels so good to feel so good!

On the writing front, I have no books scheduled for release the rest of this year but I have several projects I’m working on.  My publisher did lower the price on some of my older books on Amazon…so if you haven’t bought them, this is a good time to do so. Right now, The Christmas Stalking is priced at 99 cents! What a bargain!

 

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The holiday season is right around the corner so life’s about to get craz…I mean busy for most of us.  Wishing you a calm and peaceful and loving holiday season.

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

GIVEAWAY!!

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To celebrate the release of REDEMPTION, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card. But wait…there’s more! I always feel bad for the people who enter but don’t win. So I’m also going to pick FIVE more lucky names to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Just the right amount to buy REDEMPTION! Just kidding, the winners can use it to buy whatever they wish.

Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the contest. Contest ends OCTOBER 18th!!

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BACK COVER BLURB:

Others may think Jamie Jakowski is a hero, but she knows differently.

Haunted by her past, she seeks redemption by helping others in spite of the danger to herself. However, after almost orphaning her daughter, Jamie opts to retire. When a friend needs her, Jamie agrees to one last undercover operation.

She is determined to reunite a heartbroken mother with her kidnapped son. Used to working alone, Jamie’s not happy when she’s assigned a partner. And after a failed operation and their failed romance, Enrique Rodriguez is the last person she wants to work with—ever.

To succeed, Jamie must confront her past as well as the people who want her dead.

 

Don’t forget to leave a comment!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

REDEMPTION…it’s here!!

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Another action-packed Sisters By Choice book…REDEMPTION–releases today.

 

BACK COVER BLURB:

Others may think Jamie Jakowski is a hero, but she knows differently.

Haunted by her past, she seeks redemption by helping others in spite of the danger to herself. However, after almost orphaning her daughter, Jamie opts to retire. When a friend needs her, Jamie agrees to one last undercover operation.

She is determined to reunite a heartbroken mother with her kidnapped son. Used to working alone, Jamie’s not happy when she’s assigned a partner. And after a failed operation and their failed romance, Enrique Rodriguez is the last person she wants to work with—ever.

To succeed, Jamie must confront her past as well as the people who want her dead.

 

To celebrate the release of REDEMPTION, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card. But wait…there’s more! I always feel bad for the people who enter but don’t win. So I’m also going to pick FIVE more lucky names to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Just the right amount to buy REDEMPTION! Just kidding, the winners can use it to buy whatever they wish.

Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the contest.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

Coming soon…REDEMPTION

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I’m thrilled (and a little sad) to announce the release of the third and final book in my Sisters by Choice series—REDEMPTION on September 18.  Well, probably last. I do have an idea for a fourth and final book rattling around in my brain, but it’s only an idea at the moment. Who knows if it will grow into a book?

Anyway…back to REDEMPTION.

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Dictionary.com defines redemption as an act of atoning for a fault or a mistake; deliverance or rescue; deliverance from sin; salvation; atonement for guilt.

Wow! As I look at those definitions, I realize REDEMPTION is full of all sorts of redemption. No wonder that’s the title I chose.

The story begins with Patti not understanding why her twin, Jamie, continues to place herself in serious jeopardy time and time again. Jamie doesn’t understand either. Only that she needs to help others if and when she can no matter the danger to herself.

As the writer I know why, and I’ll share the secret with you. And don’t worry—I’m not spilling any secrets that will ruin the book for you!

Jamie is ashamed of things she’s done in her past. As a result she feels God can’t love her the way she is. So she seeks redemption by putting herself in dangerous situations to help other people.

But the redemption part of the story doesn’t stop there. Enrique, the tall, dark, and handsome FBI agent seeks redemption as well. From Jamie.

Then there’s the bartender Jamie meets on her quest to find a friend’s missing child. He’s trying to overcome a lifetime of criminal acts. More redemption.

And then there’s the father of the kidnapped child—who is the kidnapper! Talk about needing redemption.

Like I said, no wonder this book is named REDEMPTION.

To celebrate the release of REDEMPTION, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card. But wait…there’s more! I always feel bad for the people who enter the contest but don’t win. So I’m also going to pick FIVE more lucky names to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Just the right amount to buy REDEMPTION! Just kidding, the winners can use it to buy whatever they wish. Contest ends October 18th!

Leave a comment here and you’ll be entered in the contest! Easy Peasy!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!