Tag Archives: Lillian Duncan

What I Write…and

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WHAT DO YOU WRITE?

My tagline says I write stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem! In short, that means I write Christian suspense. Some may doubt that suspense/mystery novels can actually be Christian fiction but…there’s a lot of Christian suspense writers out there who would disagree.

Christian fiction has changed so much over the last few decades and continues to change all the time. If you love to read but think Christian fiction isn’t right for you, you’re wrong. So today, I’m inviting other writers to leave a comment telling who they are, what they write, and can even include their website address so you can  check out some new writers.

So writers this is your chance to get some new readers, go for it!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

The Battle For Easter

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Easter– the most holy and most precious of our Christian holidays. Without Easter, there would be no Christianity. Easter is the cornerstone of our faith.

We all love Christmas, the celebration surrounding the birth of the baby Jesus. We love that He was born in a manger on a star-filled night. We love that the angels announced the Good News of his birth first to the humble shepherds that kept watch over their flocks. We love that the magi came bearing gifts for the newborn king.

But Jesus was born a man. Just as God gives each of us free will to choose or not to choose Him, Jesus had that same right. He didn’t have to go to the cross for us. At any time he could have said no. He could have called 10,000 angels.

He didn’t.

Instead, He made the ultimate sacrifice. For us. He chose love.

Have you ever wondered what happened during those three long days between Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross and His resurrection, the first Easter?

I have.

And the result is my first-ever short story–THE BATTLE FOR EASTER.

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It’s available now on Amazon.  CLICK HERE: Amazon Link

When I say short story, I mean short so if you buy it don’t be shocked. It’s around 4000 words. A short story. It is, of course, a complete work of fiction since we have no idea what happened during those three days Jesus lay in a tomb.

If you buy it and you like it, please leave a review on Amazon as well as a comment here. THANKS and…

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

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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AMAZON LINK

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!

No Home For The Holidays!

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GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!

My newest release will be available in a few days on December 1, but you can preorder it now! NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is part of my publisher’s Christmas Extravaganza. It features a variety of novellas in a variety of genres that have Christmas as part of the story. Since they’re novellas that means they’re short–so you can read several of them or all of them this Christmas season.  To learn more about the CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA, go to PELICAN BOOKS.  NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is available now as a PREORDER.

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AMAZON LINK

 

Here’s the blurb for No Home For The Holidays:

Unlike the Prodigal Son, Chloe Sullivan knows she can’t go home for the Christmas holidays or ever—not if she wants to stay alive.

She’s resigned to the fact she must stay in hiding to keep herself and her family safe. Lonely and desperate for God’s presence, she’s drawn to a nearby church.

Ex-FBI agent turned preacher, Colton Douglas, mistakenly identifies Chloe as the person breaking into local churches. A midnight chase ensues that ends with him snapping her photo. When the photo goes public he learns more about the mystery woman than he bargained for. . .

And that changes everything!

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

To celebrate the release of No Home For The Holidays, five lucky winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card. So leave a comment HERE so you’ll be entered to win one of the gift cards. Last day to enter will be December 22 with winners being picked on the 23rd. Just in time for Christmas!

Don’t forget to leave a comment! If your comment doesn’t show up right away, that means I have to approve it. Thanks

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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AMAZON LINK

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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AMAZON LINK

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!

 

 

 

Who Doesn’t Love Free?

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I know I do! And this week, my horror novel, BIRTHRIGHT is FREE on Amazon. AMAZON LINK  Now, I have to give a warning–this is not my normal style of writing; and it may not be for you. But if you love Stephen King, Frank Perretti, or Dean Koontz, then this is the book for you.

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AMAZON LINK

Up to now, this is my only foray into the supernatural–in my writing. As a reader, I enjoy a good spooky book from time to time. BIRTHRIGHT may be a horror novel, but it still contains a Chrstian message. The book tells the story of a family through three different generations to show how evil followed them through the ages.

The question the story asks is–can a man change his destiny?

And as a Christian the answer to that question is a resounding YES. I don’t believe this, think this or hope this. I know, I know, I know it to be true. Because after all–with God, all things are possible!

AMAZON LINK

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

It’s here… DEADLY INTENT!

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GIVEAWAY!!

Today’s the day! DEADLY INTENT is finally here!

To celebrate the release of Deadly Intent, I’m having a giveaway.  Grand prize is a $25 Amazon gift cards but that’s not all! Five more winners will get a $5 Amazon gift card. How’s that for a celebration? To enter, leave a comment!

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AMAZON LINK

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Everyone belongs somewhere. The key to happiness is recognizing that place when you get there.

Maven Morris can’t seem to find that place. A childless widow, she has no immediate family. Forced into a medical leave, she has no career. At loose ends, she hasn’t a clue what’s next for her.

 Her neighbor, Paul Jordan knows what he wants—to move their friendship to a new level. Maven may not know what’s next, but she does know she has no interest in romance with anyone— not even her handsome neighbor.

When a young boy is abandoned in the city park, he touches her heart. In spite of his obvious special needs, she agrees to provide a temporary foster home for him. She has no idea the impact he will have on her life—or the danger he brings to her doorstep.

Remember, leave a comment if you want to be entered in the drawing for the Amazon gift cards! All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post. The contest ends September 26.

PS. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a winner! I’ll contact you if I have an email address, but if I don’t have your email address, you’ll need to check back. Thanks!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

DEADLY INTENT EXCERPT

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As promised, today I’m giving a sneak preview of DEADLY INTENT, which releases tomorrow. So without further ado, here is chapter 1 of DEADLY INTENT…

 

DEADLY INTENT  CHAPTER 1

 

No, you can’t have him.” She clasped the boy closer, her arms tightening around her son. This wasn’t fair. She had so little. All she wanted was her child. She wouldn’t let him take her son.

The man looked down with what seemed to be compassion in his eyes, though she knew it wasn’t real. “Sorry, it has to be done. The sooner, the better.”His voice was soft, almost kind. “We can’t keep him any longer. He’s just too disruptive. It’s not going to work out.”

Mustering all her courage, she glared at the boy’s father. “No. I won’t let you take him. I’ll make him be good. Please, give me another chance. I’ll make him listen. He’ll be good. I promise.”

He shook his head. “It’s not your fault. Something’s wrong with him. He’s too much to handle.” His arms reached out and grabbed the boy. The child yelled and struggled to stay with his mother. His arms clung to her neck as she clutched him.

In spite of her best efforts, the man pulled her son from her grip. No words came from the boy, only a shrill keening sound—like that of a wounded animal.

She reached up and put her hands on each of his precious cheeks. He stopped screaming as her lips pressed against his for a moment. “Remember, I love you, baby. I love you. I’m so sorry.”  Her heart broke as the boy’s father dragged him across the room. ‚Give him back to me.”

How much more could she bear?

The wordless screaming continued.

The father opened the door.

Heartbroken, she crumpled to the floor, unable to follow them.

The man closed the door without another word.

Too soon, her son’s screams faded. And then all she had was a memory.

 

So…what do you think? Deadly Intent releases tomorrow and so I’ll have announcement than about Amazon gift cards and a giveaway!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!