About Lillian Corrigan:
I’m a survivor. I’ve lived through joy as well as tragedy, and writing has been a part of each major event. Only now a published author, I’ve written from a young age, using journaling as a means to cope, learn, and grow from hardship. Writing enabled me to find clarity and understanding when life threw me a curve. Knowing it’s value, I hope to use writing to inspire other people to gain new perspective, better understanding, and more confidence, especially during difficult times.
Growing up in an average suburb, I was quiet and studious. I performed well in school. After winning a class contest allotting a free-pass on a future homework assignment, I saved it as memento, validating my nerd status. As a kid in the summer months, I led my less-interested sisters in games of school, aspiring to become a teacher. A natural math-head, I thrived on those complex problems most kids hated. But to bring my writing skills up to the level I wanted, I took extra English courses in both high school and college. My first love of literature was born after reading “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in middle school.
At the age of three, I strapped on my first pair of ice skates, and found out about pools via mandatory swim lessons when I was just four. Yet I grew to love the water. Other hobbies included gymnastics, calligraphy, bicycling, puzzles and crafting many self-imagined creations through trial and error. Despite a few disasters, some concoctions came out well. I continue to enjoy the latter three activities, involving calamities as well as successes. Cooking, spending a warm day on the lake, and playing with my dogs are other favored pastimes, not to mention savoring a fresh hot pizza or a cool, heaping bowl of ice cream. I enjoy facilitating retreats and conducting supportive workshops on a wide variety of topics from using software that can make tasks more efficient, to finding strength and goodness in the face of adversity.
Escaping into new worlds, I find reading both exciting and relaxing. Storytelling, especially by the older generation, fascinates me. I also adore old architecture. Visiting antiquated buildings with original stonework, carved wood, and blurry glass, leaves me wide-eyed and fascinated.
My aspirations include a second master’s degree and much more writing: another book, editorials, and self-help articles, as well as offering editing, coaching and formatting services to other authors wishing to self-publish.
What inspires you to write?
Life events inspire me to write. Celebrating one of my greatest heroes inspired this novel. Knowing I can assist others and offer fresh, clear, and better perspectives is also a large part of why I write.
Tell us about your writing process.
Using an unconventional process, I start by spitting everything out. I then use an easel with a large chart to enter facts, ages, places, names, and where key elements appear throughout various chapters. Finally, I edit and massage until the words evolve from regurgitated narrative into a vivid, enticing story.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I believe I both spoke to the characters and listened to them. It was like watching a young child grow. I knew them in their youth, but together we learned about them as mature individuals, ready to star in the role for which they were meant.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write often; carry a notebook and never miss an opportunity to capture a creative thought while it’s fresh. Talk to other writers, bounce ideas off them. Ask friends how a difficult passage sounds. Don’t be shy about getting input or flat out asking for help when you need it.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish my book as a brand new author and after reading about the differences between both platforms. I wouldn’t say it’s an easier road. It may be more achievable, because more is up to you (verses an agent). However, it takes an investment of almost as much time as the writing itself to learn about the self-publishing options, rules, and best practices.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think the industry will continue to grow with many more people venturing out to finish that work they’ve always dreamed of writing. Most people I know have said they wanted to write a book. As the opportunities become more available, I see more of them following through. I’m not sure if that’s a great thing or not. Can’t wait to see!
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Spiritual and personal inspiration and growth
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Lillian Corrigan Home Page Link
Link To Lillian Corrigan Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
