Laurie Lyons's Blog, page 2
May 20, 2013
It is almost time! SQUEEEEEE!
Sunday, 19 May 2013
It is less than a week until GATES comes out and I become a published author again. I swear, this never ever will get old. I am so excited to hear what people think of the second installment of The Feather Trilogy that I can barely contain myself.
GATES has been handed out to a select few bloggers and reviewers on Goodreads. Click HERE to see the advanced reviews on Goodreads.
Click HERE to be notified by Amazon when GATES is available for purchase.
Get ready for a crazy ride because GATES is something else!
It is less than a week until GATES comes out and I become a published author again. I swear, this never ever will get old. I am so excited to hear what people think of the second installment of The Feather Trilogy that I can barely contain myself.
GATES has been handed out to a select few bloggers and reviewers on Goodreads. Click HERE to see the advanced reviews on Goodreads.
Click HERE to be notified by Amazon when GATES is available for purchase.
Get ready for a crazy ride because GATES is something else!
May 10, 2013
No Friend of Mine
I have received my proof copy for GATES for me to read over and approve.
It is very strange reading over your own book. When it is on a computer screen, you think ,"oh, I'm editing my work, no biggie". But reading your words in print are a whole new kind of weird.
It's like looking at a photo album of a trip you went on only you invented the location and all the people you met there. It's like meeting your favorite characters from a TV show and having them sit on your couch and ask for a beer like it's no big deal. It's surreal at best.
I also remember when I wrote a lot of these scenes. I recall what I was doing the day I figured out that Anastasia and Roman should date. I remember where I was when I came up with the idea of Bael or got the flash image of Lucy hanging off a balcony with a blood red claw keeping her from falling to her death. Reading over my work in print form feels like a trip down memory lane.
Someone asked me once if this is because I feel like my characters are my friends and my answer is absolutely not. I don't feel like my characters are friends of mine. I really don't and I know a lot of authors feel like they are. Lucy and Nathaniel and the "Gang" are all a part of me and they are very important to me and I obsess on a regular basis about what they would say or do in any given situation. But they aren't my friends. I sometimes wish they were, I think going shopping with Anastasia would be a riot or people watching with Roman would be ridiculously funny but I don't feel like they are my friends. I feel like they are my bosses. They decide how they want to behave and I literally, just write it all down.
The skill with my writing comes in with HOW I write it all down. I chose the words, the imagery, the descriptions that give my stories life. I am not friends with the people in my head, I am their recording secretary.
One of greatness joys of my life is being a slave to the voices in my slightly deranged mind and reading it in physical form is my new favorite thing to do.
I love it. I love it all.
On May 24 when GATES is released, I hope you love it too.
It is very strange reading over your own book. When it is on a computer screen, you think ,"oh, I'm editing my work, no biggie". But reading your words in print are a whole new kind of weird.
It's like looking at a photo album of a trip you went on only you invented the location and all the people you met there. It's like meeting your favorite characters from a TV show and having them sit on your couch and ask for a beer like it's no big deal. It's surreal at best.
I also remember when I wrote a lot of these scenes. I recall what I was doing the day I figured out that Anastasia and Roman should date. I remember where I was when I came up with the idea of Bael or got the flash image of Lucy hanging off a balcony with a blood red claw keeping her from falling to her death. Reading over my work in print form feels like a trip down memory lane.
Someone asked me once if this is because I feel like my characters are my friends and my answer is absolutely not. I don't feel like my characters are friends of mine. I really don't and I know a lot of authors feel like they are. Lucy and Nathaniel and the "Gang" are all a part of me and they are very important to me and I obsess on a regular basis about what they would say or do in any given situation. But they aren't my friends. I sometimes wish they were, I think going shopping with Anastasia would be a riot or people watching with Roman would be ridiculously funny but I don't feel like they are my friends. I feel like they are my bosses. They decide how they want to behave and I literally, just write it all down.
The skill with my writing comes in with HOW I write it all down. I chose the words, the imagery, the descriptions that give my stories life. I am not friends with the people in my head, I am their recording secretary.
One of greatness joys of my life is being a slave to the voices in my slightly deranged mind and reading it in physical form is my new favorite thing to do.
I love it. I love it all.
On May 24 when GATES is released, I hope you love it too.
April 8, 2013
GATES Cover Coming Soon!
I love my publisher, Ring of Fire Publishing. They are the greatest group of book-geniuses around. I purposefully wanted a small publishing house for The Feather Trilogy because I wanted to have as much hand in the creative process as possible. Ring of Fire has more than provided that. From the edits to the font to the cover, I get to pick it all. By "pick" I mean, I send out a random oddly worded email vaguely attempting to explain the million pictures in my head. Then they (bless them) interpret this description (I'm sure some sort of voodoo witchcraft or calls to the NCC1701D are involved) and they produce 6 different Mock Ups of what was in my brain. It's tremendous.
SO... The cover of GATES will be out soon. If you are a book blogger and interested in being a part of the cover reveal and/or recieving ARCs prior to the release of GATES, please email me at
l-lyons@telus.net.
True Love
Laurie
SO... The cover of GATES will be out soon. If you are a book blogger and interested in being a part of the cover reveal and/or recieving ARCs prior to the release of GATES, please email me at
l-lyons@telus.net.
True Love
Laurie
April 4, 2013
Gavin - my new favorite guy!
Lucy needed a new lab partner in GATES because in case you forgot, Janielle in FEATHER ditched her and basically thinks Lucy is insane. I also thought that another strong male character would be good for Lucy. A new friend, someone funny and easy to get along with. Enter Gavin MacFarlane, stage right. He is a Sophomore science major from New York City and an all around great guy. I like Gavin a lot. I wrote him to be very real and very humble and very funny. Gavin plays a small role in GATES but in book three of The Feather Trilogy, he is far more prominent. I hope you like him as much as I like writing him. Here is the scene in GATES where Lucy and Gavin meet.
Lucy opened the door to the lab and scanned the room, she wasn’t late but somehow was the last person to arrive. She gritted her teeth, there were only two empty spots left in the whole class. One was beside a girl who was wearing all black, had a neck tattoo and appeared to be drunk. She swayed slightly and rested her black gloved hand on the table for support. The other empty spot was beside a nice looking unassuming guy in the second row. He had light brown hair that was cut neatly and a handsome round face, he wore a collared shirt and a pair of jeans. He was talking jovially with the guy beside him.
Of the two, it was obvious who Lucy’s best choice was. She started walking towards the second row and the guy with the nice face and away from the dark angry drunk girl. As she approached, she must have caught the boy’s eye for he stopped talking and turned to look at her. He smiled when he saw Lucy, a warm, welcoming, kind smile and Lucy smiled back. She approached him.
“Hi,” she said indicating the chair beside him, “is this seat taken?”
“It’s all yours,” the guy said kindly and pushed the chair out for her.
Lucy slid in and put her bag on the floor. The guy was still smiling at her.
“I’m Lucy,” she said.
“Nice to meet you Lucy,” he said sticking his hand out, “my name is Gavin McFarlane.” Lucy shook his hand and smiled. “I was talking to this dolt Mike but he isn’t half as cute as you so I am going to ignore him now.” Lucy couldn’t help but giggle. Mike rolled his eyes behind Gavin’s head. “What brings you to this fine Chemistry class today Lucy?”
“Wild horses?” Lucy offered and then leaned in slightly, “I hate chem and frankly I am no good at it.”
“Perfect,” Gavin exclaimed, “I happen to love chem and I happen to be very good at it. I claim you as my pitiful charity case of a lab partner to make myself feel superior and smarter.”
Lucy laughed, “To be honest, that sounds perfect.”
“Outstanding,” Gavin said, “so tell me Lucy, if chem isn’t your thing, what is?”
“I’m an English and History Major,” she replied.
“Really?” Gavin crossed his arms and spied her as if he was thinking about something. “And may I be so presumptuous as to assume that you are proficient in these subjects?”
“You may,” Lucy nodded.
“Then I have a proposition for you Lucy who hates chem. I, Gavin MacFarlane, have to take an English option. If I help you with your chem will you proofread my papers for me?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Lucy replied with a grin. She could proofread a paper in like ten minutes and yet had no skills in the chem lab. She definitely thought that Gavin was getting the short end of the stick here.
“You are a sucker Lucy,” Gavin leaned in, “because I am basically illiterate.”
Lucy laughed out loud just as the professor walked in the room. They sat back in their chairs and paid attention to the welcoming and opening lecture.
Lucy opened the door to the lab and scanned the room, she wasn’t late but somehow was the last person to arrive. She gritted her teeth, there were only two empty spots left in the whole class. One was beside a girl who was wearing all black, had a neck tattoo and appeared to be drunk. She swayed slightly and rested her black gloved hand on the table for support. The other empty spot was beside a nice looking unassuming guy in the second row. He had light brown hair that was cut neatly and a handsome round face, he wore a collared shirt and a pair of jeans. He was talking jovially with the guy beside him.
Of the two, it was obvious who Lucy’s best choice was. She started walking towards the second row and the guy with the nice face and away from the dark angry drunk girl. As she approached, she must have caught the boy’s eye for he stopped talking and turned to look at her. He smiled when he saw Lucy, a warm, welcoming, kind smile and Lucy smiled back. She approached him.
“Hi,” she said indicating the chair beside him, “is this seat taken?”
“It’s all yours,” the guy said kindly and pushed the chair out for her.
Lucy slid in and put her bag on the floor. The guy was still smiling at her.
“I’m Lucy,” she said.
“Nice to meet you Lucy,” he said sticking his hand out, “my name is Gavin McFarlane.” Lucy shook his hand and smiled. “I was talking to this dolt Mike but he isn’t half as cute as you so I am going to ignore him now.” Lucy couldn’t help but giggle. Mike rolled his eyes behind Gavin’s head. “What brings you to this fine Chemistry class today Lucy?”
“Wild horses?” Lucy offered and then leaned in slightly, “I hate chem and frankly I am no good at it.”
“Perfect,” Gavin exclaimed, “I happen to love chem and I happen to be very good at it. I claim you as my pitiful charity case of a lab partner to make myself feel superior and smarter.”
Lucy laughed, “To be honest, that sounds perfect.”
“Outstanding,” Gavin said, “so tell me Lucy, if chem isn’t your thing, what is?”
“I’m an English and History Major,” she replied.
“Really?” Gavin crossed his arms and spied her as if he was thinking about something. “And may I be so presumptuous as to assume that you are proficient in these subjects?”
“You may,” Lucy nodded.
“Then I have a proposition for you Lucy who hates chem. I, Gavin MacFarlane, have to take an English option. If I help you with your chem will you proofread my papers for me?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Lucy replied with a grin. She could proofread a paper in like ten minutes and yet had no skills in the chem lab. She definitely thought that Gavin was getting the short end of the stick here.
“You are a sucker Lucy,” Gavin leaned in, “because I am basically illiterate.”
Lucy laughed out loud just as the professor walked in the room. They sat back in their chairs and paid attention to the welcoming and opening lecture.
February 28, 2013
Chapters Shawnessy!
We are officially announcing that FEATHER will be availiable at Chapters Shawnessy in Calgary starting March 21. There will be a book signing and author presentation from Laurie that night between 6 and 9. Please come out and get your signed copy of FEATHER!
February 27, 2013
Feather Hangman Game
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February 23, 2013
GATES TEASER!!!
I thought I would give you a bit of a teaser on GATES. I think GATES is even better than FEATHER. Here is the prologue.
Prologue
December 21
Lucy was floating. Well, her soul was, she had no idea where her body was. Nathaniel should have it, shouldn’t he? That was the plan right? Or was it? Time was passing. She knew that much but she had no idea how fast or how slow it was ticking by. She was only loosely aware of the passage of it. Had too much time gone? It was difficult to tell because her mind was being emptied. The information was getting pulled out like a ribbon from her ear. At first she resisted, struggling to hold onto the memories but it was like trying to clutch at sand. The thoughts and recollections just slipped through her fingers and before she knew it she couldn’t remember why she was resisting in the first place. It felt like seconds and she couldn’t remember ever remembering. The freedom of it was intoxicating. Her mind was almost totally blank and it was lovely. She floated higher and higher. Who was she waiting for again? What was his name? Where was she? Did it even matter anymore? Lucy saw a brilliant white light and because it was the first thing she had seen in what felt like forever, she reached for it. That must be what she needed.
Today was the winter solstice.
Prologue
December 21
Lucy was floating. Well, her soul was, she had no idea where her body was. Nathaniel should have it, shouldn’t he? That was the plan right? Or was it? Time was passing. She knew that much but she had no idea how fast or how slow it was ticking by. She was only loosely aware of the passage of it. Had too much time gone? It was difficult to tell because her mind was being emptied. The information was getting pulled out like a ribbon from her ear. At first she resisted, struggling to hold onto the memories but it was like trying to clutch at sand. The thoughts and recollections just slipped through her fingers and before she knew it she couldn’t remember why she was resisting in the first place. It felt like seconds and she couldn’t remember ever remembering. The freedom of it was intoxicating. Her mind was almost totally blank and it was lovely. She floated higher and higher. Who was she waiting for again? What was his name? Where was she? Did it even matter anymore? Lucy saw a brilliant white light and because it was the first thing she had seen in what felt like forever, she reached for it. That must be what she needed.
Today was the winter solstice.
February 19, 2013
GATES
I am so excited to announce that the next book in the Feather Trilogy will be published! GATES is the continued story of Lucy and Nathaniel. Filled with twists, turns and unyeilding suspense, GATES will leave you breathless.
Don't forget to add your reviews for FEATHER!
Look for it soon from Ring of Fire Publishing!
Don't forget to add your reviews for FEATHER!
Look for it soon from Ring of Fire Publishing!
January 12, 2013
FAQs for FEATHER
Friday, 11 January 2013Frequently Asked Questions
1) Will we find out what happens when Lucy falls down the stairs?
- Yes, that is, IF the entire trilogy is published. Every question will be answered and every loose end tied up. I believe good writing is contingent upon keeping your reader content. It's basically customer service, I want you to want more and yet not be pissed off about what you get.
2) Do you have ideas for other books beyond the FEATHER trilogy?
- Millions and millions
3) Did you look up and research about Angels and Demons?
- Nope - I made MOST of that up in my head. I do think that Angels help us become Angels for other people. I DON'T think that Demon's are walking the earth. I totally hear you on some public figures possibly being Demons but I don't think that's true. Frankly, I believe that we humans mess things up sufficiently on our own, we don't need the Devil to help out.
4) Angel's don't wear jeans...
- First of all, how do you KNOW that? Have you ever seen an Angel in person? Also, have you ever tried on a pair of old Levi jeans? They can be Heavenly.
I have no idea what Angels wear. I can tell you that wolves don't dress up as grandmothers and talk either but Red Riding Hood is a GREAT story anyway. FEATHER is a work of fiction, I made it up in my head.
5) I found typos
- Congrats, you win the prize. Frankly folks, nothing is perfect. I am thrilled to see FEATHER in paperback and am not too concerned about minor mistakes. If it makes you feel better, go ahead and send them to me but please know that there is no way to change any of them. Otherwise, let it go, I know I have.
6) When is the next book coming out?
- As soon as I can get it edited and ready for my publisher, I will send it off and hopefully they will take it.
7) When do you write best?
- Late at night sadly which is not conducive to my lifestyle. I write every single day, even on Christmas day and usually on vacation too.
8) Do you want FEATHER to be a movie?
- Do I love chocolate? Of COURSE I would love for FEATHER to be a movie. That being said, I have been thrilled with every single step of this process. When I finished FEATHER I was delighted, when I had the bravery to send it off - I was completely content. With every step I have sat back and been totally deeply grateful for what I have been given. Having a published novel is a BIG deal and I am very happy with what I have been blessed with. If more comes my way, I am ready and willing to be grateful for that too.
9) Do you ever write scenes from other characters points of view?
- I most certainly do, and will put those out if you are interested. Let me know what scenes you would like to see and from whose perspective.
10) Do you know how the Trilogy ends?
- Yup - sure do. I have written the last few pages.
11) Who is your favorite character?
- Roman - hands down Roman. Love to hate him that guy.
1) Will we find out what happens when Lucy falls down the stairs?
- Yes, that is, IF the entire trilogy is published. Every question will be answered and every loose end tied up. I believe good writing is contingent upon keeping your reader content. It's basically customer service, I want you to want more and yet not be pissed off about what you get.
2) Do you have ideas for other books beyond the FEATHER trilogy?
- Millions and millions
3) Did you look up and research about Angels and Demons?
- Nope - I made MOST of that up in my head. I do think that Angels help us become Angels for other people. I DON'T think that Demon's are walking the earth. I totally hear you on some public figures possibly being Demons but I don't think that's true. Frankly, I believe that we humans mess things up sufficiently on our own, we don't need the Devil to help out.
4) Angel's don't wear jeans...
- First of all, how do you KNOW that? Have you ever seen an Angel in person? Also, have you ever tried on a pair of old Levi jeans? They can be Heavenly.
I have no idea what Angels wear. I can tell you that wolves don't dress up as grandmothers and talk either but Red Riding Hood is a GREAT story anyway. FEATHER is a work of fiction, I made it up in my head.
5) I found typos
- Congrats, you win the prize. Frankly folks, nothing is perfect. I am thrilled to see FEATHER in paperback and am not too concerned about minor mistakes. If it makes you feel better, go ahead and send them to me but please know that there is no way to change any of them. Otherwise, let it go, I know I have.
6) When is the next book coming out?
- As soon as I can get it edited and ready for my publisher, I will send it off and hopefully they will take it.
7) When do you write best?
- Late at night sadly which is not conducive to my lifestyle. I write every single day, even on Christmas day and usually on vacation too.
8) Do you want FEATHER to be a movie?
- Do I love chocolate? Of COURSE I would love for FEATHER to be a movie. That being said, I have been thrilled with every single step of this process. When I finished FEATHER I was delighted, when I had the bravery to send it off - I was completely content. With every step I have sat back and been totally deeply grateful for what I have been given. Having a published novel is a BIG deal and I am very happy with what I have been blessed with. If more comes my way, I am ready and willing to be grateful for that too.
9) Do you ever write scenes from other characters points of view?
- I most certainly do, and will put those out if you are interested. Let me know what scenes you would like to see and from whose perspective.
10) Do you know how the Trilogy ends?
- Yup - sure do. I have written the last few pages.
11) Who is your favorite character?
- Roman - hands down Roman. Love to hate him that guy.
December 4, 2012
Roman - Date him or Hate Him **SPOILER ALERT**
Roman - Date him or Hate him? SPOILER ALERT
SPOILER ALERT!!
Do not read this post unless you have read FEATHER. If you haven't read FEATHER, you can buy it HERE and read it then you can come back and read this post.
IF you have read FEATHER or are past page 158 you may read this post.
So, I LOVE watching people read my book. I didn't think I would enjoy that at all. Imagine all the times you had to bring your work up to the teacher's desk so they could critique it in front of the whole class. She never did use her quiet voice when she said things like, "Laurie, please sort out your plus and minus symbols." It still makes me shudder.
When people tell me they are starting to read my book I mentally cover my eyes and wince like a bomb is about to go off. Will they like it? Will they love it? Will they throw it across the room in frustration or the worst of them all..will they stop readying and lose interest? Lord above!
However, people have really been enjoying it and that is so fantastic! I just got an email from my girlfriend Shelby that read, "Ah-ha! I KNEW that Roman was a demon....bastard demon!" and I laughed until tears came to my eyes. It is so delightful to see other's delight in something I created. I remember the day I came up with the idea of Roman. I had written quite a lot of Lucy and Nathaniel and had very much fallen in love with both of them - but I didn't have a bad guy yet. I knew the bad guy had to be a Demon but what did a Demon look like?
I was at a red light - I don't know what day it was but I was singing Christmas Carols with the kids which means it could have been anytime after Halloween and I got an image of a terribly handsome young man rolling his eyes at Lucy in the most patronising way possible and I thought, "Why do people always depict Demon's like rotten little gollums? Why do they have to look like elves gone wrong? What if a Demon were hot and sarcastic and kind of funny sometimes in an evil way?"
That's where Roman came in.
Roman is hands down one of my favourite characters I have ever created. He is charming and yet devious, handsome yet nasty and funny yet at times cruel. He is the character you love to hate and yet wouldn't mind going to a movie with. His character will evolve more and more over the trilogy and he is fantastic through it all. I have adored every minute of writing him. I am so thrilled that you despise him so.
There are MANY twists and turns in FEATHER. The moment you think you have it all figured out, the story will change. Roman being a Demon is the least of your surprises my friends. I am thoroughly enjoying watching you enjoy my work.
True Love
Laurie
SPOILER ALERT!!
Do not read this post unless you have read FEATHER. If you haven't read FEATHER, you can buy it HERE and read it then you can come back and read this post.
IF you have read FEATHER or are past page 158 you may read this post.
So, I LOVE watching people read my book. I didn't think I would enjoy that at all. Imagine all the times you had to bring your work up to the teacher's desk so they could critique it in front of the whole class. She never did use her quiet voice when she said things like, "Laurie, please sort out your plus and minus symbols." It still makes me shudder.
When people tell me they are starting to read my book I mentally cover my eyes and wince like a bomb is about to go off. Will they like it? Will they love it? Will they throw it across the room in frustration or the worst of them all..will they stop readying and lose interest? Lord above!
However, people have really been enjoying it and that is so fantastic! I just got an email from my girlfriend Shelby that read, "Ah-ha! I KNEW that Roman was a demon....bastard demon!" and I laughed until tears came to my eyes. It is so delightful to see other's delight in something I created. I remember the day I came up with the idea of Roman. I had written quite a lot of Lucy and Nathaniel and had very much fallen in love with both of them - but I didn't have a bad guy yet. I knew the bad guy had to be a Demon but what did a Demon look like?
I was at a red light - I don't know what day it was but I was singing Christmas Carols with the kids which means it could have been anytime after Halloween and I got an image of a terribly handsome young man rolling his eyes at Lucy in the most patronising way possible and I thought, "Why do people always depict Demon's like rotten little gollums? Why do they have to look like elves gone wrong? What if a Demon were hot and sarcastic and kind of funny sometimes in an evil way?"
That's where Roman came in.
Roman is hands down one of my favourite characters I have ever created. He is charming and yet devious, handsome yet nasty and funny yet at times cruel. He is the character you love to hate and yet wouldn't mind going to a movie with. His character will evolve more and more over the trilogy and he is fantastic through it all. I have adored every minute of writing him. I am so thrilled that you despise him so.
There are MANY twists and turns in FEATHER. The moment you think you have it all figured out, the story will change. Roman being a Demon is the least of your surprises my friends. I am thoroughly enjoying watching you enjoy my work.
True Love
Laurie
