Tag Archives: Lillian Duncan

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

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AMAZON LINK

 

GOD BLESS & GOOD READI

THE UGLY BUGLY WHO TRIED TO CANCEL EASTER

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A friend challenged someone to come up with a story about Covid-19 and how it tried to steal Easter. similar to How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Being a writer, I took the challenge.

I’m no Dr. Seuss by any means, but here’s what I came up with.

PS. This is a first draft so it’s subject to change!

 

THE UGLY BUGLY WHO TRIED TO CANCEL EASTER

 

THE UGLY BUGLY WHO TRIED TO CANCEL EASTER

 

It was twenty-twenty in the Land of Plenty.

Easter was fast approaching.

So busy—so much to do!

 

Easter hams.

Easter egg hunts for the little runts.

Chocolate bunnies to be bought.

 

The Ugly Bugly sat in his Ugly Bugly hole and wondered.

I thought Easter was about the Risen Savior, not jellybeans and peeps.

The People of Plenty have forgotten.

So there is no need for Easter.

 

The Ugly Bugly laughed.

As he watched the People of Plenty making their plans.

He had a plan of his own.

To cancel Easter.

So busy—so much to do!

 

The Ugly Bugly crawled out of his Ugly Bugly hole.

He looked around.

He stretched his wings from the sky to the ground.

And he laughed some more.

So busy—so much to do!

 

But what could he do?

After all, he was only one little ugly bugly.

He thought and he thought.

And then he knew.

There was only thing he had to do.

Keep the People of Plenty in the dark.

If it stayed dark, there could be no sunrise.

If there were no sunrise, there could be no Easter.

It was the perfect plan!

So busy—so much to do!

 

He flew away from his Ugly Bugly hole and into the Land of Plenty.

Everywhere he flew he left a drop or two of mist and dew.

Not much, just enough for one or two.

But the darkness grew.

Along with the darkness, came the fear.

Darkness and fear.

No sunrise.

No Easter!

 

The Ugly Bugly laughed and cheered as he shouted with glee. “No sunrise; No Easter!”

His plan made perfect.

Easter was cancelled indeed!

 

The People of Plenty sat in their houses, so afraid and sad.

Life was so bad.

And they were so mad.

 

No Easter hams.

No Easter egg hunts for the little runts.

No chocolate bunnies to be bought.

 

In the twinkling of an eye, they went from the Land of Plenty to the Land of Darkness, Fear, and Want.

 

People bought and bought.

They did not share.

They did not care.

 

The Ugly Bugly laughed and cheered.

Knowing he had won.

Easter was cancelled indeed!

 

But then the people opened their Bibles.

But then the people sang praises to God.

But then the people looked to the Cross.

And they remembered.

 

Easter wasn’t about ham or eggs or even chocolate bunnies.

Easter was about the Risen Savior indeed!

Death and Darkness could not stop him then.

Nor would it stop Him now.

 

The people left their sad little houses.

And walked out into the darkness.

Holding high their crosses of light.

They sang praises to the Risen Savior.

 

And the sunrise came.

And with the sunrise, Easter came.

And the People of Plenty proclaimed.

Jesus is the Risen Savior indeed!

 

The Ugly Bugly frowned and stomped his feet.

No1 No! No!

This simply wouldn’t do.

He would start again.

More darkness.

More fear.

More dread.

 

But the People of Plenty had remembered.

They refused to listen.

They sang ever louder and louder.

They held their crosses higher and higher.

Because they knew no weapon formed against them could prosper.

And that the Risen Savior loved them indeed!

 

Copyright 2020@ Lillian Duncan

Contact: www.lillian-duncan.com

 

 

Blessings to your this Easter.

 

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!

 

 

Happy New Year!

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I love the holidays but… it’s good to get back to normal.

I pray that this new year will bring you many blessings.

As for me, I have two books that will be releasing sometime this year. My publisher hasn’t given me the dates yet. One is SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN. It’s actually the third book (and probably final) in the Puzzle House Trilogy. The other book is JANE DOE–a thriller with lots of action and suspense and a little romance.

In the meantime, I’m working on a new series. At the present time, the first title is MESSENGER. It’s set in a future America where all religion has been outlawed and even saying the name of God is a crime–punishable by death! This book is way out of the box from my usual writings so it’s taking longer to write than normal, but I’m having fun doing it.

How about you? What’s your plans for this year?

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!

TRAPPED–The Hero!

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So who’s the hero in TRAPPED? Without a doubt, Nate Goodman. You can’t help but love him. He’s a small-town policeman, believer in truth, justice, and Jesus! After some horrific experiences as a Chicago police officer, he comes back home to the sleepy town of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio to work because nothing ever happens there…until it does!

Angelina Matthews has everything—rich, famous and beautiful—until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a madman, wearing only a T-shirt. The dirt was his; the blood is hers. Knowing she’s going to die, she cries out to God. Help comes in the form of Nate Goodman., but that’s not what makes him a hero. Nate becomes the hero when he goes beyond his duty as a police officer to help Angelina who is trapped in the memories of her ordeal and can’t move forward. Want to know more?

You’ll have to read the story!

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!