Lillian Duncan Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

A. I always had stories in my head waiting to be told. Unfortunately for many years those stories were only being enjoyed by me. One day a light bulb went off—hey, maybe I should be writing these stories down for other people!

That was the day a writer was born, but it took many long years until I could say, “I’m a writer!” Now, I love saying that.

I write what I love to read—suspense with a touch or two romance.

Q: What does your writing space look like?

A: A mess! I have an office upstairs where I write. Unfortunately, I’d much rather write than clean so…that means a messy office. It also has a strider-type machine in the middle of the room, reminding me to get up and move around every hour or so to keep the metabolism moving!

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?

A. I try to start my day with some Bible study and devotions time. Some days I’m successful and other’s not so much. If there are too many other days, I start to feel uncomfortable and unsettled. That’s how I know I need to start spending more time with God. As for how it affects my writing, I’ll leave that up to my readers to decide. I pray that each book carries a godly message to the readers along with an entertaining story.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?

A. Without a doubt, marketing! I’m sure most writers agree with that. I love everything about writing and the writing process. But marketing is a whole different story.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release REDEMPTION?

A: It’s the third and final book in my Sisters by Choice series. Redemption brings the series full circle and gives closure for those who’ve read all three books. Jamie is the missing twin in the first book-DECEPTION. And in REDEMPTION, we come to learn more about Jamie and her spiritual struggles. But the main story is about a missing child who Jamie is determined to find—no matter the danger to herself.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A: It evolved from the 2^nd story in the series, BETRAYED. In Betrayed, there’s a character who has a missing child, but the story isn’t about her. Once Jamie meets her, there’s no way she’s not going to try and find her child.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.

A: In DECEPTION, the whole story revolves around Jamie who has simply disappeared. But we don’t really see her or get to know here in that book. So, it was fun to finally meet Jamie and get to understand her.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?

A: I love the theme of redemption that is entwined throughout the whole story. As in life, so many character with so many different issues. The least enjoyable, I hated killing off a certain character whom I won’t tell. You’ll have to read the book to find out who it is.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?

A: In a word—redemption. What a surprise, right? 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.

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 the father of the kidnapped child—who is the kidnapper! Talk about needing redemption

It’s not surprising that REDEMPTION is the title of the book. It fits the story perfectly!

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. DEADLY COMMUNICATIONS is a mystery novella series that features Maven Morris, a crime-fighting speech pathologist. The first in the series was released in July and I’m working on the second and third in the series right now.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

A. Jesus! I’d love to hear all about his life that’s not included in the gospels. I want to know what happened after Mary and Joseph had to go find him at the temple. Who was his best friend growing up? When did he know he was the Son of God? And the second person at the dinner would be my husband, because I’d want to share that awesome experience with him.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?

A. I don’t really think I do have a hobby these days. I do some crafting and reading. But they aren’t my favorite things to do. My favorite thing is simply spending time with my husband, but I don’t think that counts as a hobby!

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?

A. I loved my years as a speech pathologist in a large urban school district. There were days when it could be trying, but I had the privilege of working with so many children with all sorts of disabilities. And that pushed me to be a better speech pathologist.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. My website is www.lillianduncan.net. My blog is TIARAS & TENNIS SHOES at www.lillian-duncan.com. I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan I also contribute to Putting On The New at www.puttingonthenew.com.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. To celebrate the release of REDEMPTION, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card on my blog. 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.

So hop on over to TIARAS & TENNIS SHOES at www.lillian-duncan.com to enter. Leave a comment on the post REDEMPTION and you’ll be entered to win. Easy Peasy!!