Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Algonquin children’s author, and fantasy romance novelist. I’ve currently written eight books with several more in the works.
When I was little, I ended up in foster care. For me, it was a very scary and dangerous place full of abuse. The only place I had to hide, was in my mind. There, I was able to craft a magical world I could go to whenever I felt unsafe, which was more often than not.
Even into my teen and young adult years, I struggled, often, and this safe place continued to be my getaway. Once I reached adulthood, I realized I had more than enough material to bring that wonderful universe out and place it on paper. That’s where the DRUX series was born.
My children’s books are for Indigenous foster children trying to understand a scary and confusing experience. My books help guide them through, and let them know they are not alone.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The one I am putting the final touches on now is called, ‘The Mighty Krailess”. It’s the fifth book in the six book DRUX series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best mental writing happens when I bounce around on my backyard trampoline. I’ve been doing it daily for years. Not snow, nor rain, has ever kept me away. Nor the shocked or disapproving looks from the neighbors!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a sucker for anything J.R.R. Tolkien. I am fascinated with the way he draws me into not only the story, but the side stories, the back stories, and each character’s rich life.
C.S. Lewis’s Narnia chronicles were one of the few series I could read over and over as a child. I even checked my grandfather’s closet to see if, you know, just maybe…
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the DRUX series. Though it’s been a heart-wrenching and bitter/sweet project, I have loved every step of the process. As it comes to a close, my mind is already putting the details together for the NEXUS series which follows.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found Twitter to be the champion over any and all other social media options, at least for my purposes. It does help that I have quite a following there!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s three fold.
1) Do not let anyone else ever tell you what or how you should write, ever. You are building your voice. A unique voice. Be proud of that voice, no matter what others say.
2) Don’t worry about quality, or if it’s any good, or if it stands up to other books. Just write your stories. You can always edit later, or next year, or in twenty years when you’re more seasoned. Just write for you.
3) Don’t give up! Seriously! Don’t let rejection or poor feedback or fear of failure cause you to quit. You’ll always regret quitting if you do. Life is too short to wonder what could have been.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Read everything you’re supposed to do to be a great author, then ignore all of it!”
What are you reading now?
I’m making my way through Stephen King’s The Stand for the second time. I read it when I was twelve and it scared the heck out of me! I want to see how it impacts me all these years later.
Why not scare yourself once in a while?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to dive into my next series, the NEXUS series, come Fall of next year. Before then, I’ll add a few more books to my children’s line.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I had to pick something I could read endlessly, without ever tiring of it, it would have to be The Lord of the Rings. Assuming we can still consider it one book, like it was intended?
I’d also bring the Hobbit.
Then, perhaps, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Should keep me sane until rescue.
Author Websites and Profiles
S.P. Joseph Lyons Website
S.P. Joseph Lyons Amazon Profile
S.P. Joseph Lyons’s Social Media Links
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