True or False?

There are a few things in life we would rather not have to deal with. Most of which have to do with the supernatural. If you were to see a ghost, for instance, nine people out of ten would not admit to it. Because what would others think? More importantly, what would they think of you?

Even so, whether ghosts, premonitions, or near death experiences, most people have had some kind of supernatural encounter at some time in their lives. Including those who are the least likely to believe. Such as people in the medical profession. Medical people experience certain "supernatural phenomena" on enough of a regular basis to be forced to give some of them a name. Which is exactly what happened with something they call "The Lazareth Syndrome." 

This is when a person who is pronounced dead, unexplainably comes back to life, again. In the book THE RISING by Lynn Chandler Willis, which I reviewed several weeks ago, the author dealt so ingeniously with a case of the Lazareth Syndrome, that I simply had to invite her back to answer a few questions...

Welcome back, Lynn. I don't mind saying your book has kept me thinking long after I read the last page. Such an intriguing subject! How did you come up with the idea of using it as the main premise for THE RISING? Was there an "ah-ha" moment when it all came together for you?

Well, Lilly, I love playing the "what if" game and with THE RISING, I just kept taking it one step further. What if a troubled detective came face-to-face with a miracle? But what if she could only see it in black & white? What if... 

Yes, you've done a great job of weaving Detective Ellie Saunders's questions and skepticism into the issue. Which makes me wonder if this is a pathway you have been down, yourself, or have you always been a believer in this phenomenon called the Lazareth Syndrome?

I've always believed in the Lazarus Syndrome. Once in awhile you'll hear about it happening but you seldom hear about it being disproved. 

What do you hope readers will take away from the story? 

The power of forgiveness, especially forgiving yourself, and the power of redemption. Just the term 'born again Christian' has so much meaning. 

It certainly does, and you have done a marvelous job bringing those things into question. Which makes me wonder if we will we see other "phenomenon books" from you, or was THE RISING  a one-time deal?

 I've had readers show interest in continuing Ellie's story but I can't say it will happen, and I can't say it won't! I've always been interested in the "unexplained" but my two current projects are strictly mystery/suspense of the natural kind.

What do you find so intriguing about writing crime fiction? The individual mysteries? The characters? The investigative process? 

Probably the characters. I'm so intrigued by human nature and why people do the things they do. Hopefully some of that passion works its way into my characters.

It definitely keeps a reader wondering "who done it" all the way to the end. But just out of curiosity, do you like working on jigsaw puzzles? Do you ever get nightmares? 

Laughing - I don't MIND working puzzles but they aren't something I do often. I don't have the patience. And I don't have common nightmares, but, I do have some irrational fears of things like clowns, dolls, and especially puppets! I can stare down a spider much better than I can a puppet with a creepy smile.

Hazards of the writing profession, when one has to let themselves explore avenues we wouldn't be caught dead looking into in real life, right? I can relate to some of that, myself. Any way you look at it, THE RISING  was a great read, Lynn. So… what can we look forward to seeing from you, next? 

My current WIP is NOBODY'S BABY. It's about a small town newspaper owner/publisher involved in the homicide investigation of her friend. And, WINK OF AN EYE, is a Private Eye novel about a PI running from a double-cross who helps a 12-year old prove the kid's father didn't commit suicide.  

Wow, both of those sound intriguing. I'll look forward to seeing them. As I'm sure others will, too. Meanwhile, thanks for such an entertaining and enlightening story with THE RISING, and I hope it sparks as many questions in "real life" as it does while reading the book. 

Thanks, Lilly. I hope so, too! 

You can find out more about Lynn and her work by visiting: http://lynnchandlerwillis.com

More Than a Story...

CAIRO by Victoria Pitts Caine was a very different read for me since I have a habit of sticking to books about favorite historical times and places. However, being a lover of adventure as well, I couldn't pass this one up. The idea of a sort of female Indiana Jones was very appealing. 

With a spunky heroine who is brave enough to do whatever it takes to rescue her friends (even if she had to do it alone), Liz McCran was easy to like right from the beginning. The not-so-easy-to-like (but very mysterious) Donnie, whom she was traveling with, along with a dark and handsome local as their guide, would have made this plot good reading all by itself. 

But what a pleasant surprise to find it so well-researched, and peppered with many interesting stories, unusual facts, and detailed information about the Egyptian culture, itself. Riddles and clues were so well-woven into the story, I found myself wondering many times if that part was real, or imagined. Which (in my opinion) is one of the best storytelling traits an author can have. 

All of which makes CAIRO a great escape. One I would recommend  to anyone who would like to catch a glimpse into this ancient city, and come away feeling as if you had been there. Definitely looking forward to reading the other two books in this trilogy!

A few things I just had to ask…

Welcome, Vicki, thanks for stopping by for a chat.

Thanks for having me, Lilly.

This is a very well-researched novel. Where did your interest in Egypt come from, and how did you go about gathering such detailed information? Have you ever been there?

I've always been interested in ancient Egypt. I find the history, customs, and culture extremely exciting. I am an internet traveler and researched many different websites for the background information including travel sites, religious sites, and ancient legends and myths. I also bought a few books on the ancient culture. Along the way I interviewed people who were well acquainted with the Middle East and emailed a Coptic priest (Egyptian Christian) about the situations in the book. I've never traveled to Egypt, but have been asked by many who read the book if I have.

Well, you did an incredible job. After all that, what do you admire most about the Egyptian culture? 

The Egyptian Christians have a hard existence. In Egypt, Christians are few in ratio to the rest of the population, yet they have been practicing their faith since the fifth century. I find that fact totally amazing. They continue to persevere under adverse conditions.

That is amazing. How did writing a story about a place so different from most effect you as an author? Was this a one time thing, or are there similar books for your readers to look forward to? If so, are they all based in the Middle East, or are there plans to explore other places and life-styles?

In doing the research of believers so different from myself, I realize how lucky I am to live in a country where I'm allowed to believe as I do. CAIRO is actually the middle book in a trilogy. The first book, ALVARADO GOLD, is based on a story of a treasure hunt that is actually part of my family history. Addie Wright is a document restorer of Egyptian papyrus and artifacts for the San Francisco museum. In CAIRO Addie and her husband travel to Egypt for a vacation when they are kidnapped. 

At the end of the Cairo adventure Addie's cousin Donnie, who is a character in all three books, remains in Egypt.  In the third and final book, THE TEMPERING AGENT, he is involved in capturing a murderer and antique trafficker.

Wow, I will definitely look forward to reading those. Considering the turmoil that Egypt is in today, are there any special concerns or insights you have for these people you have come to know so well?

I am concerned for them. Watching the news here locally, there are many people who have family in Egypt and are fearful for their relatives in Cairo. I hope they will be able to rely on their faith in this current situation.

Which is a good reminder to keep them in our prayers. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I hope my readers will see that all things are possible through God, and even though you might find yourself in a situation where you think you know best, God is the one in control. Also, a little insight to what Christians go through in other countries that we don't even realize. It might even spark the question in our hearts if we'd pay the ultimate price for our beliefs.

Serious issues, any way you look at them, Vicki, and what a wonderful "vehicle" you've invented to bring them to the front of our conscience. Thanks so much for sharing.

Appreciate the visit, Lilly.

Victoria Pitts Caine has been a published author since 2007. She prefers to write fiction but has done a couple of pieces that are adaptations of true stories.  Christian Romance is her genre but there's a lot of suspense and adventure in her books, too.

She lives in Central California, and enjoys  reading, travel and collecting exotic gemstones. To find out more, you can visit her website.