The Hippo Hands Over . . . to Tara Lyons

I'm absolutely thrilled to be handing over to the very lovely Tara Lyons today. Having met Tara, albeit very briefly, at an author/blogger meet in London earlier this year, I can honestly say that she is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Being a cover lover, as soon as I saw her name badge I just pointed at her and blurted out "Hello, your book is the one with the black hood and the knife isn't it? I love that cover." Tara grinned at me and said that yes it was and then asked if I'd read it. . . . . .to which I embarrassingly had to reply "No, not yet" #Awkward! It took me a few more months but I'm happy to say that I have read it now, it's a gripping story and you can read my review here. I still smile every time I see this cover anywhere.

But that's enough from me, here's a little bit about the lady herself before she takes you on a tour inside her head!

Tara is a crime/psychological thriller author from London, UK. Turning 30 in 2015 propelled her to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

In the Shadows is the author's solo debut novel published in March 2016. She also co-writes with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, M.A Comley.

The Caller is the first book in their new Organised Crime Series.

Web of Deceit is a standalone novella written by the duo.

When she's not writing, Tara can be found at a local Wacky Warehouse stuck in the ball-pit with her young, energetic son.

Photo courtesy of Tara Lyons

Inside the mind of… Tara Lyons

Is Leo’s school uniform washed? What should we have for dinner? Oh, maybe that character needs to be killed off. Where should Leo and I go today, is it really only the second week of the holidays? Hmm, I wonder how the dynamics would change if that character fell in love. I really must reply to all those WhatsApp messages. Crap, it’s 2am and I’m still awake…

When Neats gave me her topic list for this new feature I automatically thought I’d pick something to do with writing my first book, its inspiration or my writing journey. But, the more I thought about it, ‘inside the mind’ was calling out to me because I love to know how peoples’ minds work – why do authors choose to write in a particular genre? How do they construct their day and juggle their other responsibilities? And not just authors, people in general fascinate me. If I had a superpower it would most certainly have to be telepathy. 

 

Since finishing In the Shadows, my head has been a hive of activity. On a daily basis it’s filled with different characters and stories all vying for attention. I’ve purchased notepads in the trolley load because I’m afraid I’ll forget an idea that comes to me when I’m swimming with my son or shopping for dinner.

At present count, I have four projects on the go (that doesn’t include the revisions for my audiobook production – sorry for the shameless plug, the voices made me do it). So that’s four books with a multitude of characters and plots. They are all at different stages because the ideas come thick and fast and in no order as yet. I think that has a lot to do with what mood I’m in or what I’m facing that day in my personal life. I’m sure not every author works like this, and rather they focus on one project and stick with that until it’s finished. Everyone works differently. But, at the moment, I’m welcoming the influx of ideas and waiting to see which book my thoughts home in on – then I’ll sit down and really devote my time to that one.

Talking of devotion, it’s not just books that take up my time and thoughts. As a single mother to a three-year-old energetic little boy, Leo demands a lot of my attention and whatever I’m doing or thinking about he’s always on my mind. He’s an only child and I seem to have reached that stage in his life where I feel sorry for him when he’s playing on his own. (Please don’t ask about more babies, because the answer is no. It just means me and Leo are often out and about making new friends).

More and more my thoughts are keeping me awake way after midnight. I haven’t started talking to myself, yet, but I think that far-off, daydream look is plastered on my face a lot. I feel guilty when I’m not writing and guilty when I plonk Leo in front of a film on a warm summer day so I have time to get my thoughts down on paper. Sometimes I think my brain is going to explode, but funnily enough I’m enjoying it. Right now, my mind is a playground of stories and ideas and characters all bursting to get out, and it’s something I’ve always wanted. So, as disorganised as my mind may seem, I hope it continues to dream up stories that will entertain readers for years to come.

Right, time for a fruity cider I think – wait, did I lock the car? I think I need to do the shopping first… Enjoy your weekend 😄

If you'd like to find out more about Tara she can usually be found hanging out at one of the below places:

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 I'd like to say a massive thank you to Tara for taking the time out of her busy schedule to stop by today and I'm looking forward to having the pleasure of her company back here on my blog again very soon with some exciting news. Watch this space readers.