Heather Lyons's Blog, page 2

A quick update on The Lost Codex . . .

Many of you have emailed, messaged, and tweeted me about how excited you are about my upcoming book, The Lost Codex (Collectors’ Society #4)–thank you! I love hearing from readers, and I am very much looking forward to sharing with you all the last chapter in Alice’s adventures. That said, I wanted to reach out and let you know that the release date of The Lost Codex is being pushed back to August 8, 2016. I have struggled with some health issues over the last year that have impacted my writing, and I refuse to give you guys a rushed book. Instead, I am going to take a bit more time to ensure that Alice’s story is exactly how I want it to be! Thanks for being understanding.

Royal Marriage Market is available now!

This week, I released my first contemporary romance, Royal Marriage Market! I am so excited to share this book with you all. It’s filled with royalty, intrigue, a magical (real!) castle, three a.m. firsts, a prince that is too too, and an outspoken princess.

 

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what’s best for her country, she isn’t about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn’t hesitate to tell him there’s no way she’s marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can’t fall for her, because royal or not, they’re not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.

There is a special introductory ebook price of $1.99 until December 23rd–and then the price will rise. If you want to read it cheap, now’s the time! Here are the ebook links:

 

For those who want the paperback, here’s where you can get them:

 

A lot of reviewers are mentioning that one of the settings, Hearst Castle, feels like a character of its own. For those of you unfamiliar with this beautiful site, it is, indeed, real and located on California’s Central Coast near the small town of San Simeon (outside of Cambria). Built in 1918 and designed by Julia Morgan, the estate belonged to William Randolph Hearst, one of the United State’s premier newspaper magnates. While the name, Hearst Castle, brings forth the imagery of a singular structure, the estate (nicknamed La Cuesta Encantada) is actually comprised of a main house (Casa Grande) and three guest houses/cottages (Casa del Mar, Casa del Monte, and Casa del Sol). They call them cottages, but they are actually huge houses in their own rights! The estate features two lavish pools (the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool) as well as gorgeous coastal gardens filled with art, a tennis court, and barracks. When Hearst inhabited the property, there was also a zoo (zebras still wander the property). Considered one of the elite travel destinations in the early twentieth-century, many celebrities and famous figures coveted invitations from Hearst in order to visit. Presidents, actors, and politicians were regulars, and often enjoyed the movie theatre situated in Casa Grande.

The property, itself, was designed by the first premier American female architect, Julia Morgan. Incorporated in the Spanish designs are actual European antiques and works of art–and if Hearst liked something enough, he would have a cast made so the statue (for example) might be reproduced throughout the estate.

Hearst Castle is now owned by the State of California and is open to the public for tours. I have been several times, including for research, and delight in each and every tour I take. The pools are not open for swimming–the Neptune Pool is actually empty and undergoing renovations–nor is the estate normally available to stay in. If you make the trip to the castle by the sea, expect to be awed by the architecture, location, gardens, and art collections.

If you are interested in learning more about Hearst Castle, you can go HERE to the official site.

 

Here’s what people are saying about Royal Marriage Market . . .


“The perfect royal romance.” – Nichole Chase, NYT bestselling author


“Heather Lyons has officially charmed me. Royal Marriage Market is an indulgent read that will have you flipping pages until the very end.” – R.S. Grey, USA TODAY best-selling author

“It’s sweet and sexy, unique and endearing, and so easily devoured. -Vilma’s Book Blog

“Heather Lyons’ new book, Royal Marriage Market, is a beautiful story that whisks you away to a dream world set in modern times. This story give us an alluring peek into the lifestyles of the young and sexy, rich and royal. I devoured this contemporary romance and am still thinking about –the richly developed characters, the unique storyline, and the romance that leaves you wanting more long after this standalone is over. Lyons give us a world filled with intrigue, passion, and beautiful settings.” -S.L. Scott, New York Times bestselling author

 

Win tickets to the Yule Ball!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a big Harry Potter fan. And I am also a big fan of the fantastic Whimsic Alley in Los Angeles, CA, a store that, when you enter, looks a lot like Diagon Alley. Inside, they’ve got a Great Hall for events (complete with a secret Tardis entrance), the throne from Game of Thrones, and lots and lots of other fabulous things for fans of books/movies/television like Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, etc . . . There even a little Jane Austen section, too!

Every year they host a Yule Ball during the holiday season. For those of us HP fans, you know what I mean. For those of you not familiar, it’s basically a Christmas party. There is dinner, drinks, and dancing–and I can promise you that it will be amazing because all their events are. I am pleased as punch to announce that the store is offering up five sets of two tickets to the Yule Ball (normally $70 each!) to win–and you can come and say hi to me while there (as I’ll be partying, too!).

 

 

Here’s what you need to know:

* The event is held in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, December 12th from 8pm-12am.

* Transportation and/or lodging is not provided.

* This is an adult event.

To enter to win a pair, check out the Rafflecopter below! I hope to see you there.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall YA Giveaway!

 

It’s fall and that means it’s time for a huge YA giveaway. I’ve teamed up with several YA authors to bring you a bunch of great prizes.

 

 
First, here are the participating au-thors:

 

 

 

 
Now for the prizes. There will be a winner for each prize. Yes, that means there are a ton of chances to win!

 

 
Prizes:

 

2 $40 gift cards


eBook of PERFECT FOR YOU by Ashelyn Drake


eBook of FINE ART OF PRE-TENDING by Rachel Harris


eBook of SOMETHING ABOUT LOVE by Elana Johnson


eBook of ELEVATED by Elana Johnson


eBook of PLAYING WITH FIRE by Sherry Ficklin


One of the GUARDIANS OF GAL-AXY books by Ednah Walters


RITE OF REJECTION by Sarah Negovetich


4 copies of THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY by Lauren Morrill


eBook set of THE DARK BE-TRAYAL Trilogy by Nichole Chase

eBook of TOUCHING SMOKE by Airicka Phoenix




You can enter on Ashelyn Drake’s Facebook page or on the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is international and will run from November 9th to November 15th. Good luck!

 

 
a Rafflecop-ter giveaway

 

 

Giveaway hosted by Ashelyn Drake. 
 
More info about Ashelyn can be found below: 
 
 
Ashelyn is a pen name for Kelly Hashway. Kelly grew up reading R.L.

Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no

surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters

degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After

teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to

school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three

young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She

also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she

isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as

for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling,

and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with

her husband, daughter, and two pets.

 


Website || Ashelyn’s blog || Ashelyn’s Facebook || Ashelyn’s Twitter || Google+ || 


Pinterest || Ashelyn’s Ama-zon Author Page || Ashelyn’s Goodreads || YouTube ||

Instagram





*Sign up for Ashelyn’s newsletter to stay current

on her new releases: http://bit.ly/1tRQqzg

 
Join her street team, Kelly’s Cov-en, for

exclusive giveaways, ARCs, and to chat with her: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KellysCoven/

Announcing…ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET!

A little over two years ago, I decided to challenge myself to write a contemporary romance/women’s fiction novel. Most of you know that I write fantasy–and that’s where my heart lies. But I loved the idea of pushing myself into unfamiliar territory, so I plunged head first into the story that became Royal Marriage Market.

The cover reveal and the blurb are coming soon, but until then, here are a few things I can tease you with:

One really swoony Hereditary Grand Duke
One Valkyrie of a Hereditary Crown Princess (so says the Hereditary Grand Duke)
One gorgeous castle to fall in love with and at
Three a.m. firsts
The RFC and the PIN
Olallieberry pie

Oh, and then there’s this:

 

Royal Marriage Market will be out on December 15, 2015. Stay tuned for more news!

Fan Art/Poetry Contest Voting Round

Back at the beginning of summer, we launched a fan art/poetry contest . . . and although some fantastic entries came in, summer proved so busy that I’m only now getting around to posting the voting round! eep! That said, I’m having a terribly difficult time choosing my favorite, so I’m going to need YOUR help. Some of the fabulous entries are posted below for you to look at . . . once you have, please head on over to the voting site and vote for your favorite. The winner will receive a Collectors’ Society tote bag as well as some official Alice in Wonderland tea from Disneyland. Woo hoo!

To everyone who entered, THANK YOU! You are all such a frabjously talented group.

1.

These are little clear rocks, painted with nail polish. There are 11. They say soul, mates, binarys, a star, a tea cup, Finn, Alice, tfm, spiders, Heather, Lyons.

 

2.

Collectors’ Society bookmark

 

3.

The Forgotten Mountain teaser / graphic design

 

4.

The Collectors’ Society word art / graphic design

 

5.

Alice art (from a child–so sweet!)

 

6.

Alice drawing

 

7.

Collage art

 

 

8.

Graphic design art

 

 

9.

Perfume bottle art

 

 

10.

Bookmark

 

 

11.

Collectors’ Society bracelet

 

12.

Collectors’ Society painting

 

 

13.

DRIFTING

Falling, failing, lost at sea,

Finn, will you come and rescue me?

Binary, for two, just me and you,

They’re out to get us,

What do we do?

Separated, destined, twisted fate,

A betrayal so deep,

I’m drowning in hate.

To watch, protect, and guide each day,

The costs are too high,

Someone must pay.

Heartache, heartbreak,

The Queen of Hearts will pay for her mistakes.

I will burn them all if it means saving you,

I just need a sign or a small clue.

That you are safe and all right,

I will stop at nothing to win this fight.

 

GO VOTE for your favorite HERE! Winners will be announced next Wednesday!

 

Win a prize package from the Secret Signing tour in Los Angeles!

I had a fantastic time at the Secret Signing Tour stop in Los Angeles with Amy A Bartol and Chelsea Fine. We got to meet so many wonderful readers, and it was fantastic getting to mingle with everyone and really get to talk to them, you know?

 

 

Chelsea Fine, Amy A Bartol, me, and Janet Wallace

 

I read from The Collectors’ Society! Thankfully no one made fun of my (Alice’s!) English accent, haha.

 

 

I totally stole this picture from a reader. Here we are during the signing!

During the signing, we gave each attendee a special book as a keepsake: Amy gave everyone The Divided, a novella that had never been released on its own yet; Chelsea gave everyone Sophie & Carter, her first novella; and I gave everyone an early version of the The Collectors’ Society Encyclopedia, which hasn’t been released yet! All of them are signed, too. And now we would like to give all of YOU who weren’t able to join us the opportunity to win this package! I’ve added in a bunch of signed bookmarks, one of my pens, three buttons, and a temporary tattoo to the lot (and Chelsea has provided a pair of flip-flops, size S, and an Archers of Avalon bracelet). Check out this goodness!

 

All you have to do to win this is enter the Rafflecopter below! This contest is open to US residents only. Good luck! I’ll announce the winner shortly after the contest ends.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beyond Fate News!

For awhile now, readers have been asking me when Beyond Fate, the Fate series’ novella, would be available in paperback (as it was ebook only). Guess what? It is now! Yay! And not only that, but it has a gorgeous new cover, designed by Carly Stevens.

 

 

Amazon  **  Barnes and Noble  **  iBooks  ** Kobo ** Paperback

Read on for an excerpt!

I remember Joey telling me once that, of all the big waves he’s ever ridden in his life, the one that got his blood pumping most was Mavericks. “It’s sick,” he said as we waxed our boards at one of his favorite breaks near his house in Australia. “Cold as all hell. Gotta be careful of the Boneyard nearby. There’s a reason they call it that, you know. The reef below loves nothing more than to welcome you to stay forever. But,” his easy grin slid out, “when conditions are right, and you can take off in the hollow and traverse the long wall before finishing in white water, your life flashes before your eyes. You’re flying through hell like a slingshot, only to come out in paradise.”

Obviously, it made me want to surf Mavericks so bad I could taste it.

When Kel and I first got to California, we’d wanted to come here together. Ride these waves in Joey’s honor. But that never happened.

He’s with Chloe right now, after yet another attack during which she walled both him and me inside a building and took off toward San Francisco in an effort to lead what we now know as Elders away. I know why she did it. I felt it the moment her resolutions within hardened—she believed she was protecting the people she loved. In a weird way, I was incredibly proud of her for it, even as I tore my hair out, trying to get the hell out of the tomb she sealed us in so I could get out there and protect her myself. Karl and I searched for her for hours . . .

And then she decided to gut me once more by calling my brother to go and get her.

So here I am, in the back of a boat, tugging the hood of my wetsuit over my head in the pursuit of some kind of nirvana high amidst the hell I’ve found myself in lately. Raul Mesaverde’s questioning my sanity for wanting to go out into the monster waves we’re heading toward, but I do my best to ignore my temporarily assigned Guard. We’re accompanied by one of Joey’s Wave colleagues, who’s come along upon Astrid’s insistence. I tried to assure her I knew what I was doing, but considering she pretty much had an anxiety attack after researching Mavericks and learning people have died here, I figured this was the lesser of two evils.

“You’re loco,” Raul yells at me over the boat’s engine.

I laugh. This? Coming from a Cyclone? Especially one who agreed to chauffeur Chloe on her crazy attempt to lure the Elders away?

The Wave we’re with turns away from the wheel and smiles. He’s crazy, too—because he’s got that same look in his eyes that Joey always had. Like the ocean is his temple. “Nah, bra,” he tells Raul. “Maverick’s all about enlightenment.”

Raul white knuckles the side of the boat. I completely tune him out and let myself slide into that place Joey taught me about so long ago.

“When you let yourself go,” he’d told me as we’d sat out beyond the breaks, “when you put yourself out there and really just let yourself go, knowing any second you could be swallowed whole by the ocean, you’ll realize that all of that shit you worry so much about—girls, school, parents, grades, work, responsibilities—they’re meaningless. Because it’s just you and the waves. They don’t give a rat’s ass what kind of day you’re having. They don’t care if you’ve just bagged the hottest girl in the worlds or if your dad thinks you’ve failed him. They’re gonna rise up and fall no matter what. Let yourself go along that ride, J. There’s worry enough for later.”

This is what I’m thinking as I’m waiting for my set to come.

When it does, I paddle hard. Anticipation and fear is just as strong on my tongue as the salt water surrounding me. I let my worries go. This one’s for you, Joey.

I gladly fling myself into oblivion.

 

 

BEYOND FATE (Fate Series #1.5) Synopsis:

There are always two sides to every story . . .

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella for the YA/NA crossover urban fantasy/romance Fate series.

Secret Signing in Los Angeles!

I am ridiculously excited to announce to you all that I will be at a secret signing in Los Angeles alongside Amy A Bartol and Chelsea Fine on September 13, 2015. I absolutely adore both Amy and Chelsea, as they are not only fabulous authors but also dear friends of mine. Read on for the deets, as well as a special announcement I’ve marked below in purple:

Join Author of the Year (utopYA 2015), Amy A. Bartol, the bestselling author of the Kricket Series and the Premonition Series — and friends — for Secret Signings in only FOUR cities in 2015/2016:

Los Angeles, CA — Sept. 13, 2015 — with bestselling author CHELSEA FINE and HEATHER LYONS

 

Ann Arbor, MI — TBA

Boston, MA — May 2, 2016 — with bestselling author SAMANTHA YOUNG

London, England — July 2016

Inspired by “secret shows” that some of her favorite bands host, Amy teamed up with live event producer Janet Wallace of Social Deviants and UtopiaCon, to create a special, limited tour as a way to say “thank you,” and make her amazing readers feel as special as they make her feel every day.

What’s a Secret Signing? And what will Amy’s be like?

• A secret signing is where you are told what city the signing will be held in and what time, but you are not given the location of the signing until the week of the event. 

• These are held at secret locations, and attendance is capped at 50-75 people ONLY, depending on the venue. No more hotels — each signing is in a unique and inspired location.

• 50 lucky attendees will receive limited-edition merchandise and/or swag that is ONLY available at the Secret Signings. 

• Attendees get two hours of meet-and-greet time with Amy A. Bartol and her special guests.

• Snacks and drinks are provided and included in price.

• There will be a Q & A session.

• There will be special readings by the authors. Amy does not do public readings, so this is a special treat just for the Secret Signing attendees!! AND — you, the fans, get to pick the scene or chapter that she will read in each city!! Once you purchase your ticket, you will be added to the private Facebook group where you can vote!

• ONLY Secret Signing attendees will receive a novella by Amy that has only been published in one anthology ever, and this will be the first time it will stand on its own with its own new cover art created exclusively for this event and it’s a GIFT to you!! And yes, Amy will be signing these and any other books you bring or buy. [Heather here: Not only will you get a special novella from Amy, but you’ll be getting Sophie and Carter from Chelsea! AND . . . I’m super excited to announce that all attendees will get an exclusive Collectors’ Society encyclopedia! It will have profiles on all the major characters in the series as well as have information on different Timelines, Wonderland and the Institute. WOO HOO!]

• Attendees will have access to a private Facebook group where they will get first peeks at new work, deleted scenes and excerpts; first access to future special events; and other giveaways that will not take place anywhere else!

There is no guarantee that Amy will ever be doing exclusive events like this ever again, or in these cities, so this is rare (possibly once-in-a-lifetime) opportunity to get unparalleled access to some of your favorite authors in an intimate and unique environment.

Grab your ticket now for an unforgettable night!! Go HERE to do so–I hope to see you there!

UtopYA 2015 Recap

The last week and a half has been a bit of a whirlwind work wise, to be honest. Outside of releasing The Forgotten Mountain yesterday, I spend five days in Nashville, Tennessee at the 4th Annual UtopYA Con. UtopYA is one of those writer conferences that’s an experience, if that makes any sense. A really amazing one, if I’m to be honest–a useful one, a positive one. Each morning there was an inspiring keynote speaker to stir up emotions, creativity, and drive. There are tons of panel sessions that are meaningful and useful to writers aspiring, new, and veteran. I was asked to speak on the What A Difference A Year Makes panel, and outside of my knees knocking together beneath the table, it was wonderful to be able to talk about the journey we writers go on with others. And that’s the thing about UtopYA–it’s all about the journey and the connections one makes during it.

Writing is often a very solitary career. We wordsmiths sit in front of a computer and type away about people that inhabit our heads and hearts, often eschewing face time with family and friends all in the name of art. Long hours are tucked away with the only voices being those in our imaginations. Discussing these matters with non-writers is often . . . frustrating. Author friends, you know what I mean. I cannot tell you how many of my friends and acquaintances see what I do as a hobby rather than a career. “What do you mean, you have to write?” “You write too much.” “You need to take a break from writing today to hang out.” “Wouldn’t you rather be hanging out than writing?” “It’s just writing. You can do it later.” And my favorite: “Are you ever going to get a real job?”

Writing is my job. My career. This is how I pay bills, how I afford to put my kids through sports. Trying to explain this to non-writers is, even for a wordsmith, often a difficult task. So, it always is a soothing relief to come amongst a tribe who understands–and UtopYA is just that. A tribe. Getting around peers to discuss the intricacies of this career is something that really feeds a soul, and for five days this last week, I did just that. I talked in a panel about writing, talked at my table to both readers and authors alike about my books and the crafts, and hung out with friends and colleagues whose bonds are more often than not forged at unfortunate long distances, come together for events just as this. Networking–such a crucial component to a solitary career–is facilitated by genuine buzz at the con of camaraderie, of genuine inclusion.

It’s like coming for a visit to a warm, writerly home.

As if all this weren’t wonderful enough, I was blown away this year to find The Collectors’ Society nominated for five UtopYA awards: Best Fantasy Book of the Year, Best Supernatural Cover, Best Book Trailer, Best Supernatural Hero/Shero (for Alice), and for Best Couple (Alice & Finn). The craziest thing happened, guys. The Collectors’ Society won Best Supernatural Cover! I was stunned, to say the least. It’s a miracle I made it to the stage without tripping on the fantastic Alice in Wonderland teacup heels I’d brought for the event.

When I finally left and flew home (on just two hours of sleep), I’ll admit I immediately crashed. But the next day I got up and felt refreshed. Inspired. Ready to open up my WIP and dive in feet first and with both eyes open.

UtopYA now becomes Utopia. Borders are broadened. More are welcomed home. I’ll see you all in 2016, ready to recharge and nourish my writerly batteries.

 

 

Amy Bartol and Rachel Higginson are my soul sisters.

Casey Peeler and I shared a table during Thursday and Friday; she is an unbelievably wonderful writer and human being.

One of my readers got a tattoo with a quote from The Collectors’ Society: In pages we find worlds / In words we find life. Isn’t it gorgeous?

I absolutely adore my editor, Kristina Circelli, and loved getting to spend time with her.

Victoria Faye of Whit & Ware is the astoundingly talented woman behind my Collectors’ Society covers. She is also a dear friend. I always cherish the time we get to spend together.

Yes, this was the perfect place for me to go to dinner to, right?

A number of my street team came to UtopYA–I love getting to hang out with them as often as I can.

My table at the big public signing on Saturday.

Regina Wamba, the extraordinarily talented photographer behind my author cover shots, is so incredibly warm and genuine, always ready with an encouraging word.

Dishing about writing and life with Stacey Marie Brown was a highlight of the con for me!

Chanda Hahn also writes fairy tale inspired stories, so it was great fun to get to talk about the genre with her!

Chelsea Starling, who designed this beautiful website, is just an incredible person.

Kim Holden’s keynote on Do Epic WAS epic. (seen here with Chelsea Fine)

Dinner out with some truly fantastic and inspiring colleagues: Denise Grover Swank, Amy Bartol, Chelsea Fine, and Rebecca Donovan.

Pre-award ceremony, during cocktail hour. Hanging out with Gaby Robbins and Devri Walls.

When this flashed across the screen, I might have gone numb. In the best of ways.

Accepting the award. Please note the cute shoes. I actually don’t remember a word I said except that I gushed about Victoria Faye’s talents.

Loved how Amy Bartol and Rachel Higginson were recognized for their beautiful books.

Another surreal moment.

Janet Wallace is the talented lady behind UtopYA (now Utopia). The theme this year was Time Travel, and she had all these gorgeous gears and wheels and a pair of goggles adorning her.

Mindy Ruiz won Best Debut, and I could not have been more thrilled for her.

After awards celebratory cocktails with Chelsea Fine, Rebecca Donovan, Denise Grover Swank, and Amy Bartol.