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jalwrites.bsky.social
James A Lyons
@jalwrites.bsky.social
6.1K followers 10K following 530 posts
Author 🏳️‍🌈. My YA LGBTQ+ novel HALF THE WORLD AWAY is out now. Link below! Represented by Intersaga Literary Agency.
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James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Nov 11
Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎
The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. 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. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from. Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.
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 · 6d
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 · 6d
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 · 9d
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
Reposted by James A Lyons
jalwrites.bsky.social
👑EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS 👑

An Adult LGBTQ+ RomCom. Arriving Spring 2026 through Spectrum Books.

The novel follows Harri as he undertakes a road trip to reunite members of his late uncle's iconic 1980's drag troupe, The Dragnificent Seven.
A Pop Art style graphic with the title of the book in bubble writing in the centre, with the text Coming Spring 2026. Synopsis: Adopted 23yo Harri senses a chance to escape from his dilapidated hometown after hearing of the death of his secret and estranged Uncle Eric. Upon meeting Eric’s flatmate Gloria in her Soho home, Harri discovers Eric was the opposite of his homophobic adoptive mother—he was Wilma Cockburn, the iconic lead star of famous 80's act The Dragnificent Seven, and prominent gay rights activist. Learning Uncle Eric’s dying wish was to reconnect with his drag friends, Harri sets off on a road trip with Gloria’s attractive friend Jack. Together they have one goal: find the missing queens. As each queen reveals their part in historical LGBTQ+ activism, Harri uncovers a dark truth about his adoptive mother’s past that will now impact his own future. When Harri attempts to organise a reunion show for the queens, he battles to keep his relationship with Jack alive. But when Jack goes missing, Harri’s mother arrives to demand Harri returns to his hometown. Caught in a showdown between his mother, Jack, and the drag queens, Harri must choose to honour the legacy of his uncle and fight to build a future with Jack, or keep ties with the woman who raised him.
November 28, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
jalwrites.bsky.social
Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎
The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. 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. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from. Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Just posted my review of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens on Amazon.
One star. Waste of money.
A fake one star amazon review. Posted under the name Noel Tinsel. It has one star from five and the headline Christmas ruined. The reason for the review is: DO NOT BUY!! At no point did it mention that Bob Cratchit was a frog! Would have given no stars, but assumed there was cheeses for them meeces, although unconfirmed.
December 1, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
lliuwrite.bsky.social
An #agentsguide to THE HEART DEVOURER’S SONG, an adult, Asian-inspired romantic fantasy that was selected for the 2025 #smoochpit mentorship program.

All the art used in my agent's guide was illustrated by me.
.
#querying #fantasy #grumpysunshine #queryingwriter #romanticfantasy #amquerying
An agent's guide to THE HEART DEVOURER'S SONG, an adult asian-inspired romantic fantasy. Selected for the 2025 SmoochPit mentorship program. Devious sunshine fox demon bard x Soft-hearted grump demon hunter. 🌈Asexual spec MC 🌦️reluctant alliance 🌱Found Family ❤️Slow burn romance 🪕Inspired by Chinese music and mythology 🌖Morally gray yet kind MC 🏔️Chinese demons, immortals, and magic Pitch: THE HUNGER GAMES meets DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS where a fox demon bard seeking to become human so she no longer has to devour hearts joins the deadly race up a wish-granting mountain but falls for a soft-hearted grump demon hunter—and with only one wish at the mountain’s peak, love is a weakness she can’t afford. COMPS: Immortal, The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, The Serpent and the Wings of Night
November 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
arlenrenwrites.bsky.social
I am SO EXCITED for this, Spring 2026 can't come soon enough!!
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Nov 28
👑EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS 👑

An Adult LGBTQ+ RomCom. Arriving Spring 2026 through Spectrum Books.

The novel follows Harri as he undertakes a road trip to reunite members of his late uncle's iconic 1980's drag troupe, The Dragnificent Seven.
A Pop Art style graphic with the title of the book in bubble writing in the centre, with the text Coming Spring 2026. Synopsis: Adopted 23yo Harri senses a chance to escape from his dilapidated hometown after hearing of the death of his secret and estranged Uncle Eric. Upon meeting Eric’s flatmate Gloria in her Soho home, Harri discovers Eric was the opposite of his homophobic adoptive mother—he was Wilma Cockburn, the iconic lead star of famous 80's act The Dragnificent Seven, and prominent gay rights activist. Learning Uncle Eric’s dying wish was to reconnect with his drag friends, Harri sets off on a road trip with Gloria’s attractive friend Jack. Together they have one goal: find the missing queens. As each queen reveals their part in historical LGBTQ+ activism, Harri uncovers a dark truth about his adoptive mother’s past that will now impact his own future. When Harri attempts to organise a reunion show for the queens, he battles to keep his relationship with Jack alive. But when Jack goes missing, Harri’s mother arrives to demand Harri returns to his hometown. Caught in a showdown between his mother, Jack, and the drag queens, Harri must choose to honour the legacy of his uncle and fight to build a future with Jack, or keep ties with the woman who raised him.
November 28, 2025 at 9:07 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
👑EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS 👑

An Adult LGBTQ+ RomCom. Arriving Spring 2026 through Spectrum Books.

The novel follows Harri as he undertakes a road trip to reunite members of his late uncle's iconic 1980's drag troupe, The Dragnificent Seven.
A Pop Art style graphic with the title of the book in bubble writing in the centre, with the text Coming Spring 2026. Synopsis: Adopted 23yo Harri senses a chance to escape from his dilapidated hometown after hearing of the death of his secret and estranged Uncle Eric. Upon meeting Eric’s flatmate Gloria in her Soho home, Harri discovers Eric was the opposite of his homophobic adoptive mother—he was Wilma Cockburn, the iconic lead star of famous 80's act The Dragnificent Seven, and prominent gay rights activist. Learning Uncle Eric’s dying wish was to reconnect with his drag friends, Harri sets off on a road trip with Gloria’s attractive friend Jack. Together they have one goal: find the missing queens. As each queen reveals their part in historical LGBTQ+ activism, Harri uncovers a dark truth about his adoptive mother’s past that will now impact his own future. When Harri attempts to organise a reunion show for the queens, he battles to keep his relationship with Jack alive. But when Jack goes missing, Harri’s mother arrives to demand Harri returns to his hometown. Caught in a showdown between his mother, Jack, and the drag queens, Harri must choose to honour the legacy of his uncle and fight to build a future with Jack, or keep ties with the woman who raised him.
November 28, 2025 at 8:54 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Half the World Away is number 4 in in the Gay YA chart today!

Thank you anyone who has bought a copy, or shared one of my many posts about it!
A picture of the Amazon Best Sellers in Gay Fiction for Young Adults. #1 The Sun and the Stars by Rick Riordan #2 and #3 Heartstopper Volumes by Alice Oseman, and #4 Half the World Away by James A Lyons
November 12, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Reposted by James A Lyons
alysoncgreene.bsky.social
Just got this! Can’t wait to read!
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Nov 11
Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎
The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. 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. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from. Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.
November 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by James A Lyons
arlenrenwrites.bsky.social
Happy book birthday! 🥳
jalwrites.bsky.social James A Lyons @jalwrites.bsky.social · Nov 11
Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎
The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. 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. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from. Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.
November 11, 2025 at 11:09 AM
jalwrites.bsky.social
Get your copy for as little as £3.99 at:

www.linktree.com/jamesalyons
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM