Lillian Duncan Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A:  I live in a small rural area in Ohio with my husband and our pets—2 dogs; 2 parrots; and 5 fish. I was a speech therapist for more than 30 years in Ohio schools but retired in 2012 because of health issues.

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

A:  That’s an interesting story. I was turning 40 and like lots of other 40 year olds, something was missing in my life. I was watching some show (probably Oprah) and her guest recommended writing your own obituary but not to include anything you’ve done up to that point. They said write in outlandish things that you couldn’t imagine.

One of the things I wrote was that I was an author. What? Up to that point, I’d never thought of writing a book in spite of how much I loved books. When I reread those words, something sparked.

And a writer was born.

Q: What do you write and why this genre?

A: Most of my books are mystery and suspense because that’s what I love to read. However I have an upcoming book (PUZZLE HOUSE) that I would classify simply as Christian Fiction.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A:  Mostly they’re made up but certainly I draw bits and pieces from the people in my life.

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

A: BROKEN TRUST released on March 17. There’s lots of action but it will also make you go…aww. It explores the issues of trust (of course) but also choices and how one choice can change your life—for better or for worse.

BROKEN TRUST is Chryssie’s story. Her complete name is Chrysalis which is another name for a cocoon. Chryssie wants to soar like a butterfly but she keeps making choices that keep her stuck in the caterpillar stage.

She’s days away from graduating from nursing school when she witnesses a murder. Once again she takes the easy way out and once again she has to face the consequences of her choice—this time with life and death consequences.

Q: Where did the idea for this story come from?

A:  From my imagination….scary!

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

A:  As I said, I have a new book, PUZZLE HOUSE releasing in October and I’m working on the sequel—THE DAVID YEARS at the moment.

Q: Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

A:  First, I was diagnosed with non-malignant brain tumors 5 years ago. Second, because of the tumors I’m almost deaf—not quite. Third, I’m very, very short—4’8”.

Q: Milk or dark chocolate? Coffee or tea?

A:  Milk chocolate! Neither unless it’s my husband’s cappuccino he makes for me every morning.

Q: Favorite TV show or shows?

A:  All things suspsenseful-NCIS and BONES are my favorite. And yes I’m in mourning for Bones.