iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

When your gravy boat is a cruise ship

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arlen ren ✨ @arlenrenwrites.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

this book is HILARIOUS and heartwrenching and everyone should read it!!!

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Who's looking for a new LGBTQ+ adult comedy novel to read? I have you covered! Fine it here: www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Gay on Wye are bringing Slay on Wye to Hay-on-Wye! Big love to @gayonwye.bsky.social, the pioneering LGBTQ+ bookstore and community hub, where you can now drop in to pick up your copy of East End Boys and West End Girls. Go check them out!

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Saffron to talk all things writing and publishing. It was a very enjoyable interview, and covered the last ten years of what I have been up to. Watch here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ermd...

youtube.com

BOOKED with Author James A. Lyons

YouTube video by BOOKED

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

This Saturday I am taking part in a charity football tournament in memory of friend and ex-teammate Dan Harflett. If you wish to and are able to donate to help us raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, please see below. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...

justgiving.com

We love Dan Harflett

Help Colin Morris raise money to support Bowel Cancer UK

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Manchester, how we feeling? My new novel is available to buy/order both in-store and online at the wonderful QueerLit on Great Ancoats Street. Please head in and get your copy and support an important award winning independent LGBTQ+ bookstore.

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Azi is revising a cat POV revenge dark fantasy @aziossman.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

BIG 5 EDITOR INTEREST🙀 PIRANESI x SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN A murdered cat becomes a human and tries to ascend to godhood for revenge. But in limbo, rage isn't enough to survive. 🔪Revenge plot 🐈‍⬛Unreliable Cat POV ☠️Body horror #Questpit #A #F #H #DF #LF #W #DIS #POC

A moodboard for GODCAT, containing pictures of black cats and a magpie's eye.

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Alyson Greene @alysoncgreene.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

So excited for this one!

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arlen ren ✨ @arlenrenwrites.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

LET'S GOOOOOO my preorder is in and I am READY!!! 💅🏻👠✨

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

🪩 PUBLICATION DAY! 🪩 East End Boys and West End Girls is out worldwide NOW! Grab a cocktail and turn off your phone. Welcome to the world of The Dragnificent Seven.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

The crime rate in Balamory must be massive cos PC Plum does fuck all work

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Last week I asked if people had photos of a sunset on their phone, and had about 50 sent to me. I said it was book related, and here is how. Here is Gloria discussing fear with Harri in my new novel East End Boys and West End Girls, in what may be my favourite thing I've ever written.

“I’m scared.”
“Fear won’t solve anything.” She takes my hand, stroking the back with a thumb. “You’ve seen a sunset, ain’t you?”
I furrow my brow. “Of course.”
“Do you have a photo of one in your phone?”
I unplug my device from the wall, fifteen percent, and perch on the arm next to her as I open the photo app trying to find the picture I took from the train as I passed Stevenage.
“I don’t need to see it,” she says, waving me away. “I wanted to prove a point. Sunsets are like life, y’see. When you see a sunset, you take a photo, everyone does because part of you, however deep inside, believes it will be the last light you’ll see. The purples and yellows illuminating the clouds, changing colour until the sky fades to black. The next day, another sunrise comes along and the process starts over.”
Her eyes sparkle with tears, her words aimed as much to herself as they are to me. “Life is full of moments Harri, and you must never assume a sunset is the end. We all live under the same sky, even if we may have been born on a different cloud. Whenever you feel you’re at the blackest moment, you need hope. Wherever you are, you have to remember that the sun will rise.” She takes a long drag of her cigarette and blows the smoke towards the light. “Always believe in the sunrise, Harri.”

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

PRISCILLA x IT'S A SIN Whilst honouring his estranged uncle's dying wish to reunite five 1980's drag icons, a gay man learns the dark truth about his adoptive mother. With her past now set to impact his future, he must choose: his uncle’s legacy or the woman who raised him. #PosterPit #CO #SO #A

A blue sky and cloud background with a red haired drag queen staring into the sun. Text reads 1986 had them, 2026 needs them. East End boys and west end girls. Out worldwide from 25th April 2026. a new lgbtq+ adult road trip comedy, available from all booksellers
Written by james a lyons | Repped BY intersaga literary agency |
published BY spectrum books |STarring harri forrester & wilma cockburn | co-starring gloria, westward hoe & boo karky | and introducing jack montague. Rivals to lovers. Age diverse cast. Found family.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

SMOGGIE QUEENS v IT'S A SIN. A gay man learns dark truths about his adoptive mother whilst searching for members of his late uncle's 1980's drag troupe. With her past set to impact his future, he must choose—his uncle’s legacy or the woman who raised him. #PosterPit #SO #CO #A

A drag queen on stage singing on the right. Text reads East End Boys and West End Girls. Wake up, wear heels. Kick arse. Yours to own from 25th April. a new lgbtq+ adult road trip comedy, available from all booksellers
Written by james a lyons | Repped BY intersaga literary agency |
published BY spectrum books | STarring harri forrester & wilma cockburn |
co-starring gloria, westward hoe & boo karky | and introducing jack montague

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Azi is revising a cat POV revenge dark fantasy @aziossman.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

BIG 5 EDITOR INTEREST😻 PIRANESI x SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN A cat is drowned by her owner. Reborn as a human godling, she competes to ascend to godhood for revenge—until she meets a godling who reveals personal things only her owner could've known. #PosterPit #A #F #H #DF #W #POC #DIS

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Might use this as my marketing tool. Have you read my book? If not, you should. It is the best.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Whilst honouring his estranged uncle's dying wish to reunite five drag activists, a gay man learns the dark truth about his adoptive mother. With her past set to impact his future, he must choose his uncle’s legacy or the woman who raised him. #PosterPit #CO #SO #A Out 25/04/26

A retro themed poster. At the top is the title East End Boys and West End Girls. in the centre is a pastel sunset with a moon, over a purple and lilac skyline. At the forefront is a large lipstick with The Dragnificent Seven in the side. At the bottom it says 2026 and starring Harri Forrester, Jack Montague, Gloria, Wilma Cockburn, westward Hoe, Boo Karky, Princess Thigh-Ana, Havana Banana and The Duchess.

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viola @violawrites.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Viðey, Iceland (note to self: take more pictures of sunsets)

Photo of a black, rocky beach with the sun setting in the background

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Quick question: do you have a photo of a sunset in your camera roll? (This was Bournemouth recently)

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Quick question: do you have a photo of a sunset in your camera roll? (This was Bournemouth recently)

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Melanie is querying @melanielocke.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Finished my painting of two of the main characters of Mage WIP, soon to enter the query trenches.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I listened to a doc on Studio 54, and it covered the backlash against disco music. It was said in 1979 that rich, straight white men started the anti-Disco movement because black and/or queer culture was always the first targets. 50 years later and ain't that still the truth.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Just over two weeks until my novel EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS is released! If you're looking to boost your TBR pile or ready for a new read, why not check out this adult road trip comedy? 10% of author profits will be donated to NotAPhase, a UK trans charity. Read on for more info! 🧵

On the left is the text East End Boys and West End Girls, with the date 25th April. In between is the popart cover for the novel, and on the right is an image of a drag queen down a darkened hallway.

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FT Zahra @ftzahra.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

After a crazy few weeks, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm now represented by Lucy Balfour at WME Books! Her vision and enthusiasm for THE DEATH AND DIFFRACTION OF SAFA RIZWAN blew me away. I'm so excited to work with her and so keen to take this next step into my writing journey!

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

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Jason L. @jasonlangford.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Coming now to the query trenches! My We Need Diverse Books mentorship project, THE VENGEANCE OF SONS, is ready to send out! Here's the #agentsguide #writingcommunity #amquerying

A brown background with white text that reads: The Vengeance of Sons by Jason L. an agent's guide

A trope list that steadily gets more unhinged, starting with "YA romantasy" and going to "If you've ever looked at the girl disguises as a boy trope and thought it was trans, this is the book for you" and "The trauma didn't make him kind, it made him a bit of an a-hole". There is also a pitch, that reads: Ten years after an empress slaughtered his family and conquered his country, trans male former princess Finn has returned home with one goal, to take it all back. Prince Rory, on the other hand, is just trying to survive in an empire where discovery of his illegal magic could get him killed. When the boys cross paths, sparks fly, even as Finn starts leaving bodies for the empress to find. After Rory is assigned by his mother to find the mystery killer, a game of deadly cat-and-mouse begins, and the boys must make a choice: cling to each other and risk their lives, or cling to revenge and lose a chance at love.

Four comp titles are listed: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi, Queen of Faces by Petra Lord, and Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno. There is an excerpt of a scene where Prince Rory is talking to Finn, and Finn says, "I'm not good with this." "With what?" Rory crossed his arms. "Feelings." Finn said the word like it was gross. "Life would be so much easier if no one cared about anyone." He threw the knife again. "Why do you say that?" Rory asked. "Because," Finn said, yanking the knife from the post. "Maybe we're not so different. Your sister. My family." He talked like he was uncomfortable. "Is that bad?" Rory raised an eyebrow. He couldn't see why similarity wasn't a good thing. "No. Yes. I don't know." This last, said by Finn.

Three memes in a mood board: One is a text message conversation that reads: can you come collect your freak of a man please, he's doing things. The reply is: No I set him loose on purpose. He needs enrichment. Another is a Tumblr post that reads: love when a dynamic is like. this would be deeply toxic for anyone else but considering the people involved this is actually far and away the healthiest option. The final post reads: First off through unimaginable violence all things are possible so jot that down.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Want to read an LGBTQIA+ novel in April? Here is a round up of some coming out in the next few weeks! jamesalyons.substack.com/p/lgbtqia-bo...

jamesalyons.substack.com

LGBTQIA+ Book Releases: April 2026

News, updates, and writing tips from James A Lyons

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Want to read an LGBTQIA+ novel in April? Here is a round up of some coming out in the next few weeks! jamesalyons.substack.com/p/lgbtqia-bo...

jamesalyons.substack.com

LGBTQIA+ Book Releases: April 2026

News, updates, and writing tips from James A Lyons

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

I may not be able to make a big difference, but I want to make some difference. Therefore, 10% of all my profits from my new novel East End Boys and West End Girls will be donated to Not A Phase. This charity have a focus on uplifting the lives of trans+ adults across the UK.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

American friends, last chance to get 25% off your preorder of EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS at Barnes & Noble!

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Do you have an LGBTQIA+ book coming out in April or May this year? I'm looking at adding as many as possible to my Substack at the start of each month. If yours is released in April, see the below post. #writingcommunity #amwriting

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

🇺🇸 US friends. You can save 25%* if you preorder EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS between now and 26th March! If you like comedy novels with drag humour, road trips, age diverse casts, and glorious queens, this one is for you!

A poster for 25% off east end boys and west end girls at Barnes and Noble. To get the discount, use code PREORDER25

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

NEW GUIDE FOR WRITERS: If I am having issues with a page containing dialogue, I colour code to help fix it. The page could feel sluggish, too fast paced, or just not working. Click below to read! #amwriting #writingcommunity

jamesalyons.substack.com

Reviewing dialogue using a traffic light system

....or how to colour code to solve a sticky bit of writing in your manuscript.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

jamesalyons.substack.com

Reviewing dialogue using a traffic light system

....or how to colour code to solve a sticky bit of writing in your manuscript.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

East End Boys and West End Girls is now available to add to your shelf on Goodreads! Click here: bit.ly/EEBgoodreads

An image of the popart style front cover, with polaroids of the cover art in the background and the text Now available to add to your shelf on Goodreads

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

East End Boys and West End Girls is now available to add to your shelf on Goodreads! Click here: bit.ly/EEBgoodreads

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

My new novel is now available to preorder. East End Boys and West End Girls is an adult LGBTQ+ road trip comedy. Read chapter one in full and preorder here: bit.ly/EEBChapter1

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Britain would be much less educated without David Attenborough. Quite fitting that after travelling the whole world his new show will be set around our own back gardens. Might have to watch all his past shows again over the next two months. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday to be marked by BBC with special programmes

The corporation will look back on the veteran wildlife broadcaster's career for his birthday in May.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Bournemouth Writing Festival 2026 Come check out a wide range of events, meet agents, and authors this April. I will be in the Writer's hive, and taking part in a panel event around the topic of Creating a Strong Protagonist, hosted by @kathleenwhyman.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/jamesaly...

open.substack.com

Creating a Strong Protagonist

Bournemouth Writing Festival

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Writers, what does the difference between your first draft and final draft look like? A lot of this first page was adapted and changed, but still used later in the first chapter, but the final draft is definitely a lot stronger.

Nothing good will ever come from drinking eight espresso martinis in the space of sixty minutes. If the alcohol doesn’t get you, the caffeine definitely will. I am waist deep in the worst hangover since the Year 11 ‘absinthe incident'.
Today is the first morning since my days in care where I’ve not been wished a happy birthday. With my sister in New York, and Callum and Gabe being AWOL, I should have expected as much. I haven’t seen my two flatmates for five days now. They’re likely at the curtain call of another all-nighter smelling of weed, cheap lager, and casual heterosexuality.
My body is screaming at me to crawl into a dark corner and die peacefully instead of brushing away the acidic remains of last night’s session from my teeth.
I scrub away last night's eyeliner, before I stumble to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of ambition (okay, water, same thing), feeling my throat cool as I gulp it down in two. When I plug my phone in to charge by the kettle, I feel it vibrate immediately with a text from Daria. “Happy birthday Harri. I need to speak to you URGENTLY. Call me xx.” I’ll call later. It must be about 3am on the East Coast by now.
For the past two years, I’ve experimented with every hangover cure imaginable. I once even attempted a sunrise run along the promenade, only to end up vomiting behind a beach hut. I stand again, battered and bruised, ready to face another day with my eyes feeling like they are sunken halfway into my skull.
My shoulders tense at the prospect of eight long hours working in the café today. The temptation to pull a sickie is strong. I breathe out, slow and deliberate. The first day of my twenties. I hope by the last I will be in a better place, both physically and metaphorically.
God, I need an excuse to escape this town.
As I drag myself through the flat, I spot three pigeon feathers lying on the welcome mat, released from my Converse during last night's chaotic return home. I toss them out the front door and scoop up my

Uncle Eric

I’m not a failure. I just haven’t found success. There is a difference. A subtle one, but a difference, nonetheless. When I turned twenty I’d made a promise that I’d leave Stonemouth. It’s the one seaside town they’ve yet to close down, but by God are they trying.
Ten hours into the first day of my twenty-fourth year and I have a hangover that could sink a battleship. According to the BBC News clock I’m already ten minutes late for my lunch shift. I trudge to the bathroom, my body screaming, desperate to crawl into a dark corner and die peacefully. Bent over the sink, my eyes close tight as I furiously scrub at last night’s thick eyeliner. Mum will drop by the café today and she can’t catch me in make-up again. She almost exhausted her homophobic insult guidebook the first time. If she knew the truth, it’d be even worse.
“Good morning, you,” comes a tired voice from behind.
I jump, striking my head on the base of the small bathroom wall cabinet, a line of empty shampoo bottles tumbling to the floor. I recall venomously telling Michelle last night that I don’t need no man, but another morning, another unknown hook-up emerges from the cesspit of my bedroom. She’ll have a field day when I see her at work. I should’ve left The Old Fire Station earlier and can’t recall much after my cheesy garlic mayo chips from Syd’s on the way there.
Instead of ordering a taxi and sneaking out, my latest overnight guest, a boy with pale skin, a Green Day t-shirt, and blonde surfer hair, grins at me like a cat waiting to be fed. He’s an eight out of ten, possibly a nine due to his small, cute forearm tattoos, but even a ten isn’t what I need in my flat.
I stare at him via the water-stained reflection of the cracked mirror and he smiles widely as he plays with his shell necklace. “I wondered where you’d gone. Are you okay?” The words come out as a croak. Did we meet at the karaoke bar? Did I even go there?
“Um, yeah, all fine, thank you.” I scramble for his name. Jason? No,

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I don't think I've ever played a frame of snooker where someone hasn't asked "where's the cue ball going?" at some point because of John Virgo's commentary. Won't be the same watching the sport without his voice.

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

You: Getting royalties must be nice for the extra pocket money! My bank account:

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

WHAT HAS TWO THUMBS AND HAS JUST FINISHED HIS FINAL PUBLISHING EDTIS? THIS GUY!!!

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Yeah I need something fun today. 1 like = 1 line from my new book (out this April). (Feel free to suggest a word)

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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Come join us in Bournemouth on 26th April to hear our thoughts on creating a strong protagonist. Bournemouth Writing Festival is a multi-day festival with heaps of free and paid talks, workshops, agent 1-2-1 sessions and more. Check out the full programme at www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk

A poster for creating a strong protagonist event at Bournemouth Writing Festival. Featuring Sharon Brisley-Moore, Hilra Gondim Vinha, Chris Powell and James A Lyons. Chaired by Kathleen Whyman. 10am on 26th April

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