Ask the Author: Lillian Keith
Answered Questions (14)
Lillian Keith
Hi Excell! So sorry for the delay. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get my messaging feature to work on my profile at the moment; if you prefer, I can talk with you here for now. What's on your mind?
Lillian Keith
Oh, another great question! I'd have to say, no. I don't enjoy writing...
...I love it! In all seriousness, it can be a pain sometimes (ask me this again when I'm in the dreaded editing swamp🤣). But I honestly can't imagine my life without it. It's one thing that I love being able to do, and hope to keep doing for the rest of my life.
...I love it! In all seriousness, it can be a pain sometimes (ask me this again when I'm in the dreaded editing swamp🤣). But I honestly can't imagine my life without it. It's one thing that I love being able to do, and hope to keep doing for the rest of my life.
Lillian Keith
Hi Amelia! So sorry for the late reply. What a great question!
I actually don't remember one singular thing or incident that inspired me to write. I've always carried stories around in my head, even as a toddler (my mom will tell you about how I was always making up stories to tell my stuffed animals; they were a really good audience 🤣.)
So, I guess it was natural for me to start penning them down once I learned to write (though, admittedly, learning discipline to write a whole story took some time. At six or seven, I mostly told the whole story to myself, jotted down a couple words, and illustrated the rest with pictures lol.) As I got older, I got more serious about writing and finishing a story, and then, eventually, I was inspired to start publishing them.
I actually don't remember one singular thing or incident that inspired me to write. I've always carried stories around in my head, even as a toddler (my mom will tell you about how I was always making up stories to tell my stuffed animals; they were a really good audience 🤣.)
So, I guess it was natural for me to start penning them down once I learned to write (though, admittedly, learning discipline to write a whole story took some time. At six or seven, I mostly told the whole story to myself, jotted down a couple words, and illustrated the rest with pictures lol.) As I got older, I got more serious about writing and finishing a story, and then, eventually, I was inspired to start publishing them.
Lillian Keith
Hi yourself, Lily! It's so fun to meet someone who has the same name too!
Aw, thank you so much for your sweet comment. That's wonderful you want to be a writer as well (I'm assuming you mean a published writer, because if you're already writing stories, then you're a writer by definition!)
Oof! Where to begin? Well, I've always loved telling stories, even as a little kid. I sometimes dreamed of being a published author when I was younger (but then, I dreamed of being a world famous ballerina, a horse trainer, a spy, etc. XD.) So, I didn't take a writing career seriously until I was almost ready to graduate high school. My mom sat me down and we talked about the direction I wanted to take, and I realized that I could never stop telling stories. It was like breathing for me, I loved it, and I knew that I wanted to keep doing it.
Was it scary? Yeah, the idea of doing writing classes, building a platform, pursuing publication, writing and completing a story, etc. it was overwhelming at first glance. But with lots of encouragement from my family, and a deep drive to see my stories published, it really helped me keep going. I also leaned on God to give me strength to persevere, even when I didn't want to write, or when I hit a big bump in the publishing road (and may I add that taking a break when you're overwhelmed can really help clear your head!)
I'm sorry this ended up rather long *lol*. But let me add here that sometimes I didn't think I'd get my book published. It seemed too big a goal. But my mom said that I could do it. So, I just took it one step at a time, which made it less overwhelming. I tried to remember the milestones (however big or small) that I have been blessed to reach, and let that be an encouragement to keep going.
Hopefully this helped answer your questions. I believe that there is every reason you can become a published writer, Lily! Take it one step at a time, and know that I and many other authors are cheering you on :)
Aw, thank you so much for your sweet comment. That's wonderful you want to be a writer as well (I'm assuming you mean a published writer, because if you're already writing stories, then you're a writer by definition!)
Oof! Where to begin? Well, I've always loved telling stories, even as a little kid. I sometimes dreamed of being a published author when I was younger (but then, I dreamed of being a world famous ballerina, a horse trainer, a spy, etc. XD.) So, I didn't take a writing career seriously until I was almost ready to graduate high school. My mom sat me down and we talked about the direction I wanted to take, and I realized that I could never stop telling stories. It was like breathing for me, I loved it, and I knew that I wanted to keep doing it.
Was it scary? Yeah, the idea of doing writing classes, building a platform, pursuing publication, writing and completing a story, etc. it was overwhelming at first glance. But with lots of encouragement from my family, and a deep drive to see my stories published, it really helped me keep going. I also leaned on God to give me strength to persevere, even when I didn't want to write, or when I hit a big bump in the publishing road (and may I add that taking a break when you're overwhelmed can really help clear your head!)
I'm sorry this ended up rather long *lol*. But let me add here that sometimes I didn't think I'd get my book published. It seemed too big a goal. But my mom said that I could do it. So, I just took it one step at a time, which made it less overwhelming. I tried to remember the milestones (however big or small) that I have been blessed to reach, and let that be an encouragement to keep going.
Hopefully this helped answer your questions. I believe that there is every reason you can become a published writer, Lily! Take it one step at a time, and know that I and many other authors are cheering you on :)
Lillian Keith
No, not at all! I really like the sound of the titles; thank you so much for recommending them!
Lillian Keith
Thank you so much! I think these will do and I will definitely check them out. I have listened to MacArthur before, and bits of Spurgeon, and I think I've heard of Watson? (I'll have to double check the last one.) Thank you again for the lovely recommendations. I hope you're having a lovely week, and if you do read The Witch of Blackbird Pond, I hope you enjoy it :)
Lillian Keith
Hi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by. So, admittedly, I haven't read any Puritan sermon books (if you have any recommendations, I'd love to check them out.)
That being said, Kit (the main character in the book) is not religious in any way. So since the story is mainly from her viewpoint, the Puritan community may seem 'strict' in her eyes, compared to the life she was raised in. However, despite their differences, I still love the family she came to live with, and I see Kit's growing fondness for them too. I think it's just a matter of subjective opinion, concerning the religious aspect.
I hope that helps? Let me know if I can clarify anything else, and I'll do my best :)
That being said, Kit (the main character in the book) is not religious in any way. So since the story is mainly from her viewpoint, the Puritan community may seem 'strict' in her eyes, compared to the life she was raised in. However, despite their differences, I still love the family she came to live with, and I see Kit's growing fondness for them too. I think it's just a matter of subjective opinion, concerning the religious aspect.
I hope that helps? Let me know if I can clarify anything else, and I'll do my best :)
Lillian Keith
I'm so sorry I missed this question, Saraina! I usually get notifications, so I'm not sure what happened *facepalm*.
So, I'm not entirely sure if I have a specific kind of scene I love to write (lol, usually, I get excited over scenes that randomly inspire me).
Lately, I have been enjoying writing scenes where my characters play off of each other, and maybe even clash. That's where I can create relatable characters, or explore character growth and deep themes.
Perhaps it will change over time, so I guess we'll see. :) Thanks for asking such a great question!
So, I'm not entirely sure if I have a specific kind of scene I love to write (lol, usually, I get excited over scenes that randomly inspire me).
Lately, I have been enjoying writing scenes where my characters play off of each other, and maybe even clash. That's where I can create relatable characters, or explore character growth and deep themes.
Perhaps it will change over time, so I guess we'll see. :) Thanks for asking such a great question!
Lillian Keith
Ah, thanks so much! Actually, my younger sister, Amy (aka Amelia Grace) illustrated and designed my latest book cover (she also designed the first one, but with graphics and stock images she found.)
She's so thrilled that you love her work!
She's so thrilled that you love her work!
Lillian Keith
Hi Clay! I think there's been a bit of a mix-up; I didn't ask for a copy of the X-Troop (I know, there's a lot of users with the name Lily/Lilly/Lillian *haha*). Anyway, I hope you find right person, and best wishes with your book! Have a blessed week!
Lillian Keith
Hi Katherine! Thank you so much; I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Ooof! Sequel? Well, I tried to round up my characters to see if they'll tell more of their story, but locating them and getting them to cooperate has been...difficult XD
So, I think An Apprentice Escapes will be a standalone; no sequel in the works.
Thank you for such a great question! :)
Ooof! Sequel? Well, I tried to round up my characters to see if they'll tell more of their story, but locating them and getting them to cooperate has been...difficult XD
So, I think An Apprentice Escapes will be a standalone; no sequel in the works.
Thank you for such a great question! :)
Lillian Keith
Hi Issabelle! That's a great question.
It's terrifying when our world comes crashing down, and I've wondered what it'd be like to have to face it all alone. I'm hoping that readers will be encouraged to keep persevering and seeking to do the right thing, even if they're alone or their world is coming apart.
It's terrifying when our world comes crashing down, and I've wondered what it'd be like to have to face it all alone. I'm hoping that readers will be encouraged to keep persevering and seeking to do the right thing, even if they're alone or their world is coming apart.
Lillian Keith
One time, while my family and I were living in the countryside, we had a few acres of land; the house sat atop a small hill and down below was a creek and tall grass that covered the ground. One day, we woke up and found huge round impressions in the tall grass, like something huge lay down in it to make a bed. The mystery? Well, our property was entirely fenced off and the only 'livestock' we owned were chickens. And they preferred to make their nest in the garage! So, we never really knew what made those deep impressions. Dogs? Deer? Or maybe our chickens went sleep walking and made a giant nest for themselves (unfortunately, they didn't think to lay eggs in their sleep!)
Lillian Keith
Ah, let's see. Well, when I hit a wall in my writing, I'll step back from the project for a few days (one time it was a week, where I took a break from all devices and social media.) During that time, I'll work on other things, such as reading, crafting, or sitting outside with paper and pen, jotting down random thoughts or ideas. Exercising helps, or taking hikes and being outdoors. Then, when I return to the computer, my brain feels recharged and often brimming with new ideas.
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