Meet Savannah - Part 1

This is 16 year old Savannah Lacy. I have the privilege of tutoring her in writing. It's really one of my favorite hours of the week. Her enthusiasm makes me think of those lyrics "This girl is on fire!"  Savannah has won writing awards from the writer's group in her area, and has been featured in her local newspaper. We have the most fun and inspiring talks about all things writing and books. She's encouraged me to read books that I would never have picked up otherwise. Sometimes I think I'm learning more from her than the other way around. This is a name to watch in the future, so I thought I'd like to host an interview.


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I began writing in 2013, but I had no skill or clue where to go once I had an idea. I wrote a little bit anyway, but gave up on it a few months later. I really got my inspiration to write in the summer of 2015, after I started reading a lot more.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

 I write almost every day, usually starting at 8:00 p.m. and finishing at midnight, however, that's mostly when I write for fun. I write my current work-in-progress, Torn, in the morning from about 10:30-12:30, Sunday through Wednesday. That just seems to be when I get inspired for it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have different habits depending on what I'm writing. For example, when writing my work-in-progress, I procrastinate actually writing, but bottle up all my ideas, then write tons in a single setting. For my other story that I'm collaborating to write, I write it all down the moment I think of it, and come up with more possibilities in advance.

Tell us about your current work-in-progress.

I'm writing a book with "Torn" as the working title, about a 15 year-old named Ambrose Emmerick Braeden, who, years after discovering he's adopted, sets out to find his birth parents. The most convenient way to get to them is to join a team of Summoners like himself (people with special abilities of different varieties), who want to go looking for Relics that may not exist, but could enhance their powers. Ambrose discovers he has a younger brother, and to save his brother's life, he must continue on the journey for lost Relics.

Coming soon: Part 2 - Savannah will talk more about Torn, and about the books that she is inspired by and recommends in Young Adult Fantasy Fiction. 

If you'd like to say Hi to Savannah, or have a question, you can comment below. Thanks for stopping by!

Guest Lillian Duncan

I'd like to welcome author Lillian Duncan to Love Colored Glasses today! I'm excited about the release of her new book NO Home for the Holidays. Lets get to know Lillian:

(Be sure and checkout Lillian's awesome contest opportunity at the end of her interview!)

Tell us a little about you.

My husband and I live in a small town in Ohio. I mean small—we only have 1 traffic light. But I love being back. I grew up in the area, but moved to the big city of Cleveland for many years. Like Dorothy, I love being home again.

I was a school speech pathologist for many, many years, but now I’m a full-time writer. So in a way, you could say that words have been a big part of my life for all my life.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors which led to another diagnosis of something called neurfibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). In spite of difficult health issues, God has blessed me and keeps on blessing me with the ability to keep writing stories—for which I’m very grateful.

What is your favorite genre to read? To write?

The answer to both is Christian mystery and suspense with a little horror thrown in from time to time. I guess writing is sort of like eating. You are what you read, and for me that means I’m a suspense/mystery writer.

If you knew ahead of time your book would benefit only one person on their spiritual journey, would you still write it?

I would! It’s just like the story of the boy who walks along the beach throwing the stranded starfish back into the ocean. He knows he can’t save them all, but it makes a difference to the ones he does throw back in.

Tell us about NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

No Home For The Holidays is a Christmas-themed story. It’s part of my publisher’s annual Christmas Extravaganza. Each year, they release twenty-five novelettes (meaning short novels) that all have a Christmas theme in all different sorts of genres. So there’s something for everyone, no matter what you enjoy reading.

I love finding a way to mix suspense into a Christmas story. There’s always so many possibilities for what the characters can learn as they journey through the story. And, of course, I love all the Christmas symbolism available during my favorite time of the year.

In No Home For The Holidays, Chloe Sullivan needs a miracle but has given up on getting it. As sad as it is, she’s resigned to the fact that she has to stay in hiding if she wants to remain alive as well as keep her family safe.

Ex-FBI turned preacher, Colton Douglas believes in helping others. When Chloe enters his life, he’s sure God has put her in his path for a reason—to help her. And that’s just what he plans to do, whether she likes it or not.

Both Colton and Chloe learn a great deal about themselves and about life as they face death.

How long did it take you to write this book?

NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a novella so it didn’t take anywhere near as long as a full-length novel. I would say I finished the first draft within a month. Then another month to revise and polish before I submitted it to my publisher.

Tell me a bit about your main characters. Who did you have the most fun creating? Why?

Chloe Sullivan is a good girl gone bad who wants to be good again. So she was a lot of fun to get to know more about as I wrote the story. Colton on the other hand is your classic hero, wants to help anyone and everyone, except himself.

What’s the setting for No Home?

The story starts in the city of Wooster, Ohio. Coincidently, it’s a city I’ve lived near most of my life. But, of course, the story is fictional and not based on reality! But that’s just the beginning, they travel to Akron and then on to the state of California.

Is NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS the first book you published?

I’ve been blessed to have several books published in the past several years. My last release was DEADLY INENT, part of the Deadly Communications series that features a crime-fighting speech pathologist. . NO HOME is actually my second Christmas story with the first being THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. It features a country singer with a stalker, of course!

So, you were a speech-language pathologist. Tell us a little about that job.

I retired as an SLP from a large city school district in Ohio, then spent several more years working part-time in smaller, rural districts near where I live. Between the two jobs, I don’t think there is any type of child I haven’t worked with at least once.

I loved my job and would still be doing it except for some serious health issues.

What sort of serious health issues?

In 2012 I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors. Fortunately, they weren’t cancerous, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t wreaked havoc on my life but…I recently finished treatment and am looking forward to getting healthy again—with God’s help.

What do you want readers to take away from NO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

I want everyone to know that they always have a home with God. He never turns anyone away if they’re sincere. Just like the prodigal son, he’ll always welcome you home.

What is your writing process?

I’m what they call a “pantser” meaing I write by the seat of the pants. I never know what’s going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face, but anything goes after that. If I’m writing and start to feel bored—then I kill someone or blow something up. And that way it’s a surprise to me and to my readers.

How long does it take to write a book?

That's a questions that I get asked a lot, and I still don't have a good answer for it. Because I might work on a story for a few weeks or a  month, then move on to another project, then come back to it at a later time. Another thing I do is work on several writing projects at a time. That means I might spend 30 minutes on a story one day or 2-3 hours on it another day. 

Once the first draft is finished, I always set it aside for a while, then come back to it to edit, revise, and polish. I do this several times before I send it to my publisher.

So as you can see, it's really hard to estimate how long it takes me to "write" a book. But I can say that from start to finish, any full-length book is worked on for at least a few hundred hours.  My novellas would be a shorter time, of course.

Do you know who the bad guy is when you begin your story?

Not usually. Most of the time I have several characters who it might be and as the story comes to a conclusion, I’m surprised right along with my readers. Sometimes, I think I know who the killer is through most of the book, but then throw in a shocker at the end.

Most people don’t think of murder mysteries and suspense novels as Christian Fiction. What do you say to them?

I can certainly understand their point of view. And for some readers my stories might be a bit too graphic or edgy and that’s okay, I would say my readers are those who like traditional suspense and mystery novels but are tired of all the explicit language and sex scenes that aren’t necessary to a good story.

I don’t promote or glorify violence in my stories and show characters experiencing the natural consequences of their bad choices and bad actions. My characters are usually on a spiritual journey as well—but some are further along than others.

What are you working on now?

I just finished the final edits on the third in the Deadly Communications series. Its title is DEADLY SILENCE. In it, Maven will be back and facing some very difficult life circumstances.

Along with that, she’s working with a late-deafened adult as a client. A subject near and dear to me since I’ve lost all my hearing in one ear and a significant amount in the other because of the brain tumors.

I also have several other stories in various stages that I’m working on.

HOW CAN READERS FIND YOU ON THE INTERNET?

My website is www.lillianduncan.net and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com 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

To celebrate the release of No Home For The Holidays, Lillian is running a contest on her blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. Five lucky winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card. So hop on over to www.lillian-duncan.com and leave a comment under the No Home For The Holidays blog post so you’ll be entered to win one of the gift cards. Winners will be picked on Dec. 23—just in time for Christmas!

Tune in tomorrow for one of Lillian's wonderful devotionals. Thanks so much, Lillian, for stopping by! 

Look who's vising today! 
Welcome Sharon Srock
Author of 
The Women of Valley View: Callie. 


Before you read her interview, you should take a look at the amazing prizes she'll be giving away to one commenter!

A copy of Callie's story

A certificate for Terri's story when it releases in April

A 6 piece Cherry blossom bath set

A cosmetic bag

A Bath Wrap

A Cozy pink eye mask

A Pair of aloe infused booties

A Hair Turban

A Tennis Bracelet

A 25.00 Amazon gift card

Just leave a comment (and be sure to include some contact information) and she will draw for these prizes on Monday, Nov. 19. 

 "Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all." 

Sharon, thanks so much for coming by. I'm so excited about your new book! How much of yourself do you write into your characters?
I don’t, intentionally, write any of me into my characters. That doesn’t mean you won’t find a little piece of me in all of the women. Callie teaches Sunday school and loves her guacamole, Terri is looking for God’s will in her life and arguing the whole way, Pam is learning lessons in forgiveness. Yep, there I am.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Believe it or not, I went to bed one night, a normal person, and woke up the next morning determined to write a book. I know, now, where that came from. It was more than a little weird at the time.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love a good courtroom drama. Fantasy when it’s well done. By well done, I mean it has to completely draw me into a different world. Mysteries, and Romantic suspense are devoured at my house like chocolate covered cherries.
How do you keep your sanity in this crazy fast paced world of ours?
I guess I’m a product of our environment. I like being busy. Even on a vacation I have to consciously tell myself to slow down and enjoy the moment. Sanity…I’m a writer, that option took a hike a few years back.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I’m going to assume you don’t mean raising terrific daughters.  Really? This book. Not just for the validation or a sense of “I can really do this”. But because I feel like it represents me, finally finding God’s place for me.
What is your favorite food?
I have two rules when I cook. If it’s sweet add chocolate. If it isn’t sweet add cheese.
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
It has to be a God thing. I wake up with these stories in my head, things I would never see or think of on my own. He gets all the credit.
In what ways has being published changed your life?
Besides making me busier that I used to be? The jury is still out on that one. Ask me again in a year or so.
What is your current work in progress?
I’m working with my editor to get Terri’s story complete. Pam’s story is close to being at the word count I want. Then I’ll start the serious editing process for her. Samantha is knocking…
If you could invite a fictional character to dinner who would it be and why?
Oh, can I pick two? Merlin and Spock. Merlin because I’m captivated by the whole knights in armor, Arthur, slaying the dragon thing. Spock because…well…because the idea of extraterrestrial life interests me. If we ever find life out there, I’d hope they would be wise and beneficial sort like Vulcans. Not the “I’ve come to destroy your world” type we see portrayed 99% of the time.
Of all the current technological marvels, which is your favorite and why?
My GPS. I don’t navigate. Now I don’t have to.
If you could have a do over on one day in your life what would you pick?
Fourth of July, 1996. It was the last day we spent with our little grandson before he was murdered. I wish I’d spent more time with him that day.
Where was the location of the best vacation you ever had?
Now you’ve opened the flood gates. For the last 7 years I’ve taken one of my grandchildren on a special vacation. We’ve been on cruises, been to Hawaii, visited The Grand Canyon and Vegas, Spent a week in Cozumel, Done the whole Disney thing in Orlando…God has placed a special blessing on these trips. They’ve all gone off without a hitch and there is no way to just pick one.
If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?
King Arthur’s court. I wouldn’t want to stay forever, I’d miss my hot rollers, but I think there was an elegance to life then that we don’t have any more.
What is your favorite season of the year? What’s special about it for you??
I only have three seasons to my year. Summer, Spring, and SWEATER. I have a serious sweater addiction, so Sweater is my favorite.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
That sometimes we spend too much time beating ourselves up for something God has already forgiven and forgotten. That we do a disservice to ourselves and others when we indulge in those feelings.
What is something that very few people know about you?

I’m a serious Trekker. I have my own uniform.
What is the hardest part in writing a story?
Editing and Editing and Editing….
What is the funniest, strangest, or most interesting thing you have learned when doing research?
That I don’t like research. Does that count? Seriously I write contemporary fiction so I don’t have to do a lot of research. I’d never goggled anything til about a year ago.
What is your favorite material item that you own (examples: ipod, Gone with the Wind book, grandmother’s rocking chair)
My Kindle. It’s just the most amazing machine.
Do your characters ever give you surprises when you are writing? Can you give us an example if they do and if they don’t do you know why?
My characters constantly surprise me. Their individual determination to be front and center in my brain is relentless. I’m a SOTP writer. I don’t work with an outline, so I can’t give you an example of where I planned to go one way and they insisted on taking their own way, but I continue to be amazed.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book and what would it be?
I think where Pam, Karla, and Terri come to Callie’s house with groceries and stuff for the girls. That is exactly like it would happen, has happened, in my life. Our church family is so generous. I have been on the giving and the receiving end of help.
What three things about you would surprise readers?
My favorite pet of all time was an iguana.
I hate reality TV
I love to mow the grass
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who
would it be and why?
Nora Roberts. I would pick her brain completely dry.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
A lack of time. I don’t think there is a way to overcome it until I retire. I just have to deal with not enough hours in the day.
Which character in your book are you most like? What have you learned about yourself in writing this story?
For this book. Callie, of course. I didn’t really need to learn the life lesson that Callie had to learn, but writing the story taught me so much about persistence, trust , and patience.
If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Australia. It’s on my bucket list. I’ll make it someday, God willing.
What was your favorite book as a child and now as an adult? Is there a connection between the two?
That is an impossible question to answer. You’ve heard about being born with a silver spoon in your mouth? Well, my mom must have had a terrible time giving birth to me with a book clutched in each hand. I can’t remember a time when reading wasn’t a priority. Picking a favorite out of 50 years worth of books…impossible.
As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
You are looking at it. Learning the craft, editing, and revising were easy compared to putting myself in the path of perfect strangers and begging for their attention. I’m a pretty solitary person. If I had my way, I’d write the book and pay a look alike to go out and face the public.

What a fun interview! Thanks, Sharon, and best wishes for your success!

Now, Ya'll don't forget to leave a comment with contact info so you can be entered into Sharon's drawing:)
Thanks for coming by.