James A Lyons
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jalwrites.bsky.social
James A Lyons
@jalwrites.bsky.social
6.2K followers 10K following 550 posts
Author 🏳️‍🌈
EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS - An adult contemporary LGBTQ+ RomCom out 26th April.
Represented by Intersaga Literary Agency.
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jalwrites.bsky.social
James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 26
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
jalwrites.bsky.social
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...
Creating a Strong Protagonist
Bournemouth Writing Festival
open.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:41 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
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,
February 5, 2026 at 2:16 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
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.
February 4, 2026 at 9:53 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
You: Getting royalties must be nice for the extra pocket money!

My bank account:
A 3p payment to my bank from Amazon
February 3, 2026 at 9:50 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
WHAT HAS TWO THUMBS AND HAS JUST FINISHED HIS FINAL PUBLISHING EDTIS?

THIS GUY!!!
February 3, 2026 at 8:24 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Yeah I need something fun today.

1 like = 1 line from my new book (out this April).

(Feel free to suggest a word)
clericofthevoid.bsky.social Aubrey 💖🏳️‍🌈 @clericofthevoid.bsky.social · 21d
Okay yeah this sounds really nice today 💖

1 like = 1 random line from one of my WIPs/Published works
countess-sappho.bsky.social Countess Sappho @countess-sappho.bsky.social · 21d
These seems fun!

1 like = 1 random line from one of my WIPs/Published works
January 28, 2026 at 1:54 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
So thrilled!
emmacarelli.bsky.social Katie Bailey @emmacarelli.bsky.social · Jan 16
It’s been a long journey getting here. Details on the agency to come at a later time, but I am now officially agented! (I think my ghost hunters are taking the news with the utmost grace.)

#amwriting #amquerying #amagented
Group of six misfit ghost hunters huddled around a laptop. One looks excited. The rest are bewildered. One accidentally spills his coffee. The words, “announcement of literary representation” are above them.
January 17, 2026 at 12:01 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
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
January 15, 2026 at 9:08 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
I am on the look out for ARC readers for my adult LGBTQ+ romcom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS which comes out this April.

If interested, please comment or DM and I'll be on touch with more details. The pitch is in the comment below this.

Pls share for wider audience to see.
A pop art style poster with a woman looking shocked. Bottom right is the cover for the novel. The text reads Attention! ARC readers wanted! A pop art poster showing the themes in bold. The text reads: an adult contemporary romantic comedy. Road trip. LGBTQ+ history. Found family. Rivals to lovers.
January 9, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
steck.me.uk
And how gorgeous is that cover art! Looking forward to this one ☺️
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 26
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
January 6, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Reposted by James A Lyons
jalwrites.bsky.social
Might be looking for ARC readers for this soon btw. If you like funny and touching books, keep an eye out (or DM me so I can see if I can get you added to the list. Not sure what the limit is yet).
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 26
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
December 26, 2025 at 10:37 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Might be looking for ARC readers for this soon btw. If you like funny and touching books, keep an eye out (or DM me so I can see if I can get you added to the list. Not sure what the limit is yet).
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 26
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
December 26, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Reposted by James A Lyons
arlenrenwrites.bsky.social
I'm obsessed with this cover 🤩 it's such a vibe!
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 26
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
December 26, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
jalwrites.bsky.social
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
December 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Cover reveal for my new LGBTQ+ adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS. It'll be released on 26th April. Pre-order info coming sometime in the new year. Published through Spectrum Books.
A popart style book cover with the title in bold pink and blue. In the background are images of a crown, a rubber duck, a coffee cup, a disco ball, lips, hearts and a VW beetle. Polaroids with the same image surround it.
December 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
To get good at dialogue, you must read, read, read.

I got better through TV scripts and radio plays and just writing down things I noticed in chats with my mates.
goddessblade.bsky.social May “Bunny” Peterson 🦄 (Mostly Updates) @goddessblade.bsky.social · Dec 23
what is your least favorite piece of writing advice and why? 👀
December 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
I emailed my Christmas list to Santa this year. Got an autoreply thanking me for getting in touch, but if I don't get presents within 12 weeks to consider it a pass.
December 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Just driving home for the holidays. I hate having my Christmas surprises ruined, but at least Santa got my letter this year.
What looks like a giant penis on the back of a truck, but wrapped up in a festive green coloured plastic
December 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
I walked past Yungblud yesterday, and he might be the most stylish person I have ever seen in the flesh.
December 19, 2025 at 10:46 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Cover reveal?

I will be unwrapping the cover for my new LGBTQ+ Adult RomCom EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS on Boxing Day at 8am!

Might give you the release date too.
The cover for East End Boys and West End Girls, peaking out behind some Christmas wrapping paper with string.
December 17, 2025 at 10:25 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Workplaces should put on nativities. Criminal that primary school kids are gatekeeping them.
December 11, 2025 at 11:32 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
If anyone is writing MM romance and needs a sensitivity reader for a scene/idea/character background, feel free to hit me up.
December 4, 2025 at 12:01 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Have had some lovely feedback for Half the World Away.
The book is set during the Section 28 era, and writing it was a type of release having been schooled under the legislation. So much of how I felt during my school days are in those pages.

Available from £3.99 at www.linktree.com/jamesalyons
On the right is the front cover of the book Half the World Away, with the characters of Alex and Theo. Alex is dressed in a blue school blazer, whereas Theo is in a green jacket, sat cross legged. ON the left is the text Heartstopper x Boy Like Me When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything.
December 1, 2025 at 7:19 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Also, for something to be a gay romance novel, this does not mean that you just bang on about sex all the time. We do have many more layers y'know. I know these books aren't written for me, but c'mon.
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Dec 1
If there is something you wouldn't write for a straight based romance novel because it crosses the boundaries of acceptability, please do not think it is ok to include them in books with same sex MC's and call it 'spicy'.
December 1, 2025 at 1:37 PM
jalwrites.bsky.social
If there is something you wouldn't write for a straight based romance novel because it crosses the boundaries of acceptability, please do not think it is ok to include them in books with same sex MC's and call it 'spicy'.
December 1, 2025 at 11:48 AM