Lillian Duncan's Blog, page 42
January 22, 2013
BOOK GIVEAWAY!
January 20, 2013
FOREVER HIS!
January 19, 2013
LIFE CHANGES–and so do blogs!
If I’ve learned anything this year LIFE CHANGES!
And so do blogs! I haven’t been very active with this blog lately, but I have some ideas to try out in the coming months. I’m excited about it, but who knows? Maybe they’re good–maybe not! We’ll see what others think about the changes. I hope you’ll be one of the ones to let me know what you think.
First as a writer, a blogger, and a person, I’m not much for planning or scheduling sooo…. I’m not going to say that I’m posting every Monday, Wednesday, or whatever. Some weeks I may post two or three times and other times a week or two may pass.
Here’s a few segments you’ll be seeing in the coming days:
THIS & THAT: My personal musings about whatever might be on my mind…and that could be anything!
WRITER OF THE DAY: This segment is about BOOKS and WRITERS. Book Announcements-Book giveaways–new books-old books-favorite books! Did I mention books?
WRITING ADVICE: I’ve learned a few things on my writing journey and I’m willing to share!
DEVOTIONS: I have a devotional site at www.PowerUpWithGod.com I’ll be sharing the devotions from that site here as well.
IN HIS IMAGE: CELEBRATING GOD CREATIVELY: This segment is about celebrating God and the creativity He shares with each of us. It might be a poem–a picture–a music video–a skit video–or a post about how someone uses their creativity. This
So as you can see, TIARAS & TENNIS SHOES is going to have lots of hopefully informative, useful, and fun things happening in the next few months.
Oh, yeah–if you sign up to follow the blog my email, you get entered in my BLOG CRAZY CONTEST automatically. How easy is that! Winners get Amazon gift cards in amounts from $5-20! ! For more details, www.lillianduncan.net Contest ends on FEB. 1.
Any other ideas for me?
GOD BLESS and GOOD READING!
January 16, 2013
GRADUATION DAY! Four Steps to Publication
Christian author, Randy Ingermanson likens fiction writing to high school. He talks about freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior writers and then there’s graduation day–becoming a published author!
How does a writer reach that elusive graduation day? It takes time and hard work whether we’re talking about high school or publishing! But it’s a journey to be enjoyed. For many people high school memories are some of their best memories. (That may not be true for some of us bookworms!)
Just as writing a story is a process, becoming a writer is a process. A process that CAN be rushed, but shouldn’t be. If you rush the process, you’re going to miss out on some of the journey. And the journey is as important as graduation day.
There are things to be learned during the journey. Don’t want to deal with rejections? But they make you stronger when you get those bad reviews. Got writer’s block? That’s OK, because you’ve learned to trust the process. The journey will make you a stronger, better writer.
For me, it was a long journey to graduation day—too long. I admit I made the journey longer than it had to be, but I learned a lot along the way. Here are a few things I’ve learned that may make your journey shorter.
Learn the craft. I present a workshop where I talk about the ABCs of Being a Writer. A is for Art. B is for Business. C is for Craft. All three are important ingredients for a successful career as a writer.
Be teachable. For me, I think this is the number one rule of being a writer. If you aren’t willing to learn from others, it’s going to take a long time to graduate.
Be a part of a critique group. As you learn to recognize weak writing in others, it will strengthen your own writing.
Don’t get stuck on a manuscript. Many unpublished writers write their first story and refuse to move on to the next story. Instead they write and rewrite and rewrite the same story. But one book does not a career make. Your writing will get better with each finished manuscript.
My first story had so many No-Nos that made it (almost) unredeemable—started with a dream—lots of back story—lots of flashbacks—head hopping—not to mention the always popular amnesia!
As with all things, quality takes time.
In this new electronic age, it’s very easy to publish a book, but I would caution you to reflect on your writing skills. Be honest about what grade you’re in and make a commitment to finish the journey. So that when graduation day comes, no matter what route you take, you can hold your head up and know you earned that diploma…I mean book with your name on it!
Your turn–what’s the best advice you have for a prepublished writer?
Tagged: ACFW, how to get published, randy ingermanson, writing advice
January 14, 2013
WRITER OF THE DAY: Elizabeth Maddrey
Through the wonders of the Internet, I “know” lots of writers. I’ll be letting you know about them and their books as time permits. There’s so many good books out there. Today’s writer of the day is Elizabeth Maddrey.
Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. You can find her online at http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey)
Her debut novel, WISDOM TO KNOW was released a few weeks ago. WAY TO GO, Elizabeth! The first one is always a thrill! Here’s the first page of WISDOM TO KNOW:
“You look like a prostitute.”
Lydia frowned at her best friend. “Brad likes my legs.”
Kevin admired the long, shapely legs in front of him from where he was sprawled on her living room couch. “Won’t you be cold if you show so much of them?”
“It’s September, not the middle of January. It’s still warm out.” Aggrieved she patted her hem. “Besides, the skirt reaches the end of my fingertips.”
“Your elbows are bent.”
“That rule shouldn’t apply to me, I have long fingers.”
Kevin cocked a brow. “You wouldn’t wear that to church.”
“We’re not going to church.” Lydia shot him an impish grin. “Besides, there are a couple of guys there who wouldn’t usually give me the time of day…maybe if I wore this, I’d get their attention.”
What do you think? I’m thinking Lydia is quite the woman!
WISDOM TO KNOW
: Is there sin that love can’t cover?
Lydia Brown has taken just about every wrong turn she could find. When an abortion leaves her overwhelmed by guilt, she turns to drugs to escape her pain. After a single car accident lands her in the hospital facing DUI charges, Lydia is forced to reevaluate her choices.
Kevin McGregor has been biding his time since high school when he heard God tell him that Lydia Brown was the woman he would marry. In the aftermath of Lydia’s accident, Kevin must come to grips with the truth about her secret life.
While Kevin works to convince himself and God that loving Lydia is a mistake, Lydia struggles to accept the feelings she has for Kevin, though she fears her sin may be too much for anyone to forgive.
Hardcopy: http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Know-Elizabeth-Maddrey/dp/1938708008/
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Know-Grant-Grace-ebook/dp/B00AYQKATG/
Thanks for being my guest, Elizabeth. May all your dreams come true as you continue on your writing adventure.
God Bless and Good Reading (and writing!)
Tagged: Christian books, Christian Ficiton, Elizabeth Maddrey, Wisdom To Know
January 11, 2013
I’M RETIRED–NOT EXPIRED!
CHOICES.
We don’t always get the choice of what happens to us–in fact, sometimes, it feels like we rarely get that choice. But we ALWAYS have the choice of how to react to circumstances, the people, places and things in our life.
This past year I’ve had….a husband who had open heart surgery…then I developed Bell’s Palsy…then I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors (benign)…then I had treatment…then due to budget cuts I lost the job I loved….then I had complications from the treatment…then I had complications from the meds they put me on for the complications….. well you get the point.
NONE of that was my choice.
By far the biggest impact on me personally was losing my job–a forced retirement you might say. I’d been working in the field for way over thirty years but had some sort of paying job for almost 40 years! That is a long time!
Then, poof–no job!
I admit I’ve been fighting retirement since August when school started. I checked about jobs obsessively–even got a substitute job as a speech pathologist and found a private client. It helped but I stll felt like I was floundering in the water.
I describe it as being in a tunnel. One life was over but couldn’t get through the tunnel to see what was waiting on the other side.
But LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICES!
And I’m ready to embrace my new retired life as a full-time writer! I’m still not sure how life is going to look but I am NOT willing to sit on the sidelines and wait to see what happens. I’m going to start making the CHOICES!
My first choice is: I’m might be retired but tha doesn’t mean I’m FINISHED nor EXPIRED!
I’m making 2013 a year of GROWTH for me, personally, physically, spiritually, and in my new career as a full-time writer. To that end, I’m reading several non-fiction books to get me moving down that path.
John Maxwell’s: 15 INVALUABLE LAWS OF GROWTH.
Joel Osteen: I DECLARE!
Heather Hart: A YEAR OF BOOK MARKETING
From time to time, I’ll share some of the nuggets of wisdom from these books and other books and resources that I discover.
TODAY’S QUOTE comes from 15 INVALUABLE LAWS : “The law of diminishing Intent says, the longer you wait to do something you should do now the greater the odds that you will never actually do it.”
Life might happen to us, but we can change our lives by the choices we make in the bad times and in the good. Having a pity party is a choice that won’t help anything. Baking cookies to give to a friend is a choice that will make someone else happy and maybe yourself as well.
LIFE IS ALL ABOUT THE CHOICES.
How about you? What’s your plans for the year? Do you have some big plans or some small simple steps for making some changes? I tend to be a small steps kind of person. Are you going to sit on the sidelines or are you going to start making choices that will move you forward? What are you waiting for?
What other MUST READ books are out there to help me grow this year? Got a recommendation?
PS. Don’t forget to check out my BLOG CRAZY CONTEST–winners get Amazon Gift Cards. Details at www.lillianduncan.net
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Tagged: 15 INVALUABLE LAWS OF GROWTH, A Year of Book Marketing, Bell's Palsy, brain tumors, Heather Hart, I Declare, Joel Osteen, John Maxwell', Lillian Duncan, retirement
January 8, 2013
BLOG CRAZY CONTEST!!
I’ve gone BLOG CRAZY! Somehow I’ve ended up with THREE different blogs! And now I want you to go blog crazy and follow my blogs.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Good question? How about a $20 Amazon gift card as the grand prize, but wait…that’s not all…
One more lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, but wait…that’s not all….FIVE lucky winners will receive a $5 Amazon gift card as well, but wait that’s not all…THREE more lucky winners will receive a $5 Amazon gift card. That’s right… TEN winners in all! GO HIT THOSE FOLLOW BUTTONS!
AND IT’S SO EASY TO ENTER. For every blog of mine you sign up for your name goes in the contest. I have 3 blogs that means 3 entries if you sign up to follow my all my blogs my email. And don’t worry–I only post on each of them once or twice every week (if that) so you email inbox will NOT be overflowing. I promise!
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN RANDOMLY ON FEBRUARY 1-so don’t delay–sign up now!
Here’s my blogs and their links:
TIARAS & TENNIS SHOES is a blog about my life as a writer and a woman. Personal musings and perhaps a bit of wisdom with a little humor thrown in. Not to mention free book announcements and book giveaways from my writer friends! www.tiarasNtennisshoes.wordpress.com
POWER UP WITH GOD: Secrets of a Better Life is my devotional blog. Devotions written by myself and guest writers. www.PowerUpWithGod.com
IN HIS IMAGE: celebrating GOD creatively is my newest blog and I’m so excited about this one. It’s all about celebrating God and the gift of creativity! You never know what you’ll see on this one. One day it my be a skit; another day a music video; another day a poem,. And I’m sure there will be free book announcements and book giveaways on this one as well! www.celebratingGODcreatively.wordpress.com
Now it’s your turn to go BLOG CRAZY and follow my blogs! GO HIT THOSE FOLLOW BUTTONS!
January 7, 2013
What’s happening with me?
So a little update on my writing career is in order today.
I had a new book come out the past November–THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. Actually, not a book but a novella which means much shorter than a book. It was the first time I’d attempted one and it was a lot of fun to write and I definitely want to write more novellas.
This one was on the short side but I’m thinking of developing a novella mystery series.
Anyway, so far everyone seems to love THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you can’t read the story!
I’m also busy editing my upcoming release–BETRAYED. It’s the second in my Sisters BY Choice series. DECEPTION was the first. So I’m keeping busy!
More later. God Bless and Good Reading!
THE CHRISTMAS STALKING
Overzealous fan or crazed stalker?
Country music superstar Destiny appears to have it all. Beauty, money, and fame. But it’s not all glitz and glamour. Being a celebrity comes with a price—loneliness, and now threats from an unknown stalker.
With Christmas approaching, and as the danger escalates in Nashville, Destiny has no choice but to disappear. She escapes to her grandparents’ cabin in the Adirondack Mountains near the tiny Village of Serenity & Peace. It seems to be the perfect choice for a hideout. Longing for the serenity and peace she experienced there as a child, Destiny sheds her celebrity persona and resumes her long-forgotten identity as Holly Stone.
Unfortunately, fame follows her to the tiny village—along with her stalker.
Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.
To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com
January 6, 2013
I’m back…..
Well, that’s the plan anyway. I haven’t posted here in the past six months–just about the time I was diagnosed with brain tumors. I’ll talk more about that later in another post. But it’s a NEW YEAR and I’m ready to get back into the flow of life.
I’m excited–even in the midst of my physical trials, God is here with me, hugging me, encouraging me, but most of all teaching me. I’ve learned much this year and I’m hoping to share some of it with others who are struggling.
More later–God Bless and Good Reading.
July 12, 2012
All About me!
I haven’t been blogging much about myself these days. I prefer to spend my time working on my devotional blog www.PowerUpWithGod.com, but thought I’d take a minute to update everyone on my life.
Oooh–where to start–where to start?
On a personal level, I’m having soem health issues. I blogged about the Bell’s Palsy awhile back. The symptoms are still there, but they are improving. I can drink out of a cup now. YAY!! My brain tumors are still there and I will receive my first treatmen in August. I’ll do an update after that.
So, not much fun in my personal life–But God is blessing me in my career.
A lot of fun things happening with my writing. I was notified this week that a novella I wrote (A CHRISTMAS STALKING) was chosen my Pelican Book Ventures to be included in an upcoming holiday collection of Christmas stories. So…I’m excited about that.
What’s it about, you ask?
During the Christmas holidays, a country music star hides out from a stalker at a remote cabin in upstate New York. She must abandon her career and flee if she’s to live to make music another day.
A month or so ago, I finalled in the BOOKS OF HOPE contest at WRITE INTEGRITY PRESS. The grand prize winner gets a 3-book contract. The winner won’t be announced until November some time. How awesome that would be!!
What’s it about, you ask?
Sometimes, life is full of strikes and sometimes, all we get is a 7-10 split, no matter how well we throw the ball. Seventeen-year-old Macy Minton inherited more than a bowling alley when her parents died. She also inherited the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings.Now, seven years later, her life has become one big gutter ball after another.
I have a few other projects that may or may not happen. I’ll let you know when I know.
So, that’s what’s happening with me. I pray each of you are having a wonderful and blessed summer.
