Please welcome author Lillian Duncan to Writer Wednesday! Let’s hear about her journey in writing.
When did you decide that you would be an author? Was it something you fell into, felt called to… ?
I was forty and just like many other forty-year-olds, I felt something was missing from my life. One day I was watching a TV talk show and the guest said we should each write our own obituary. So I did. One of the things I put in the obituary that I was an author. That came as quite a surprise to me. But when I read those words something sparked on the inside of me, and I haven’t stopped writing since.
What’s your pet peeve?
It depends on whether you’re talking about books or “real life.” If you’re talking about books and writing, my pet peeve is when writers use really obscure vocabulary just to show how smart they are.
If you’re talking about “real life,” I guess it would be people who talk softly. Because of brain tumors, I’ve lost all my hearing in one ear and a significant amount in the other. So it’s really hard for me to have a conversation with people who won’t talk up.
What was your most embarrassing moment as a writer?
As much as I love writing, I hate book marketing, especially promoting myself. It may be necessary, but it’s still something I struggle with.
What has been your most difficult challenge as an author?
Like all authors, I have speaking engagements. Like lots of authors, I don’t like public speaking. I realized that public speaking was part of my “job” and that I would either have to get over it or stop being a writer.
I decided to get over it. One of the ways I did that was to think of public speaking not as a speech but rather as a teaching opportunity. Having been a teacher (actually a speech pathologist but close enough) for many years, that made me more comfortable with the whole situation.
How do you process rejections and/or negative reviews?
I don’t put a lot of stock in reviews, positive or negative. As a long-time reader, I know that reading is very subjective. What one person loves another will hate. So when I read negative reviews, I don’t take it personally. Every person is allowed to have their own opinion.
What do you feel is the best success so far in your writing career?
My book, Puzzle House, was a finalist in the 2018 Carol Awards. It didn’t win but it was a fun experience that definitely boosted my confidence as a writer. I’ve also had several bestsellers on Amazon as well.
What is your current work in progress?
At the moment, I’m stretching my writing muscles. I’m “trying” to write a YA novel that’s set in a future America where religion is banned. Notice, I said trying. Whether I’ll ever submit the book to be published remains to be seen.
Bio:
Lillian Duncan…stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem.
Lillian lives in Ohio Amish country with her husband. In 2012, she was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors as a result of a rare genetic condition, Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Life ain’t necessarily easy with brain tumors, but God continues to bless her in all sorts of ways, including being able to write.
Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that show God’s love—and lots of action. OK—that’s two things. She believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.
Website: www.lillian-duncan.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lillianduncan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=lillian+duncan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lillianduncan/
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Lillian-Duncan/e/B007NFPAE6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1489582766&sr=1-2-ent
Latest book release:
All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead!
Johnny Rocker believes he’s doesn’t need anyone or anything—especially God because after all he is a rock & roll god. When the floor beneath his feet crumbles—literally—he hurtles toward a different truth.
Since the death of Maddie’s family, she’s run from life and love and become the best bodyguard she can be. But, with God’s help, she’s ready to step out of her comfort zone and into a different life. When her boss asks—no begs—her to take on one last job, she finds it hard to refuse. Someone is trying to kill mega-star Johnny Rocker. It’s Maddie Cotton’s job to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Even under Maddie’s protection, the threats continue. As Christmas approaches the danger escalates—someone doesn’t want Johnny Rocker to see the new year, and they are willing to kill Maddie as well. Johnny and Maddie will have to set aside their differences and learn to lean on each other and God if they want to see Christmas day.
I enjoy Lilian’s work. Thanks for sharing.