Archive for the ‘Books’ Category
“T” Goddess coloring page and new book news
Posted by: Lyon
December 24th, 2009 >> Books, Finished, Illustration, New Releases, Thoughts
It’s been a while since the last update. I have been really busy with a NEW BOOK. It’s called ‘Smoky and the Feast of Mabon’ written by award winning fantasy author Catherynne Valente. As you probably surmised from the title, it’s a book about Mabon. We are both really excited about the project and can’t wait till we can tell (and show) you more about it. Because it’s a Mabon book, it will be officially released a month before the holiday in August 2010, but people who place pre-orders through the publisher (Magical Child Books) web site may be able to get it sooner. AT least that’s what the rumor is. It’s up in their shop for pre-order now. Catherynne has finished her part in it and I am diligently working my fingers to the bone to make the art deadline with all the pictures. I think this book’s art is going to be my best yet and I am really pushing myself to stretch the envelope.
I have had a few people ask about coloring pages with Gods and the answer is yes, I will be doing the ABCs of Lessor known Gods after the Goddesses are finished. That will be very soon as I only have U,V, W, X, Y and Z left. And I am not sure there are any x goddesses! If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter yet, please do. All the other pages are archived for the members. I hope you all have a very blessed end of the year and stay tuned to this blog for updates on the new book. I’ll share art as soon as I can!
New coloring page is ready!
Posted by: Lyon
November 9th, 2009 >> Books, Illustration, New Releases, Thoughts
Merry hi dear Friends!
It’s been a while since I last wrote to you, I have been busy with a number of interesting projects which I am sure you will be excited to learn about.
The first one is a new picture book! Due out next year, it is authored by none other than acclaimed and award winning fantasy writer Catherynne M. Valente. Her wonderful story, called ‘Smoky and the Feast of Mabon,’ is as magical and entertaining as her adult and young adult fiction novels. And, as you probably guessed from the title, it is a Mabon story. The publisher will be taking pre-orders on their web site (http://magicalchild books.com) soon. Meanwhile, the book is in production and moving along nicely.
Speaking of books, all 4 other titles are still available at the web site as well. There are bundled purchase choices too which are money saving deals! And the publisher now accepts Discover Cards! Remember that a book is the best buy dollar for dollar of any form of entertainment. Please add one of the books to your lists when considering what gifts to get the young children in your life.
The other project I am working on is with author, Ashleen O’Gaea. Our Pagan parenting book has been picked up by an agent for representation. While the book is still in a holding pattern, both of us are hopeful it will find a home soon. I’ll keep you informed when there is more news.
I spent a rather cold and soggy October touring around the Midwest. It was wonderful to see some of you at the events I traveled to. I am always grateful and humbled by the kindness and joy with which I am greeted. Your support is what makes this all worthwhile. I am currently scheduling my 2010 events, and this year I am adding something new. I will be doing school visits! Programs for elementary through college level classes include things like how to make a picture book, story telling and what the life of an illustrator is like. If your kid’s school has visiting authors or illustrators, please let me know who hires the visiting creatives and maybe I can arrange a visit to your child’s school.
And last but not least, the newest coloring page for the ABCs of Lesser Known Goddesses is ready for download. Go to the publisher’s web site to sign up to the Yahoo newsgroup to get access to this one and all previous coloring pages. This page’s letter is “S.” The Goddess, Srahman is North African from the Kaffir peoples. She is a dryad spirit who teaches travelers the way of the woods.
As always, I love to hear from you. Please let me know what you think of the coloring pages, my books or if you have any questions about them or suggestions for upcoming new stories.
I am now on Twitter. My username is lyonmartin. Please friend me if you have a Twitter account.
Until next time!
Bright Blessings,
Lyon
This from my publisher’s (Magical Child Books) web site. They are giving away 4 books!
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Magical Child Books has turned two, and we are in the mood to celebrate.
Last month our first book ‘An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child,’ received the prestigious honor as a 2009 COVR Visionary Awards Finalist. As you can see, we have more than one reason to have a party!
You and all your friends are invited.
Usually when someone has a birthday, the people coming to the party bring the gifts. We’re turning the tables and flipping this custom on its head. We will give the gifts. You heard right. We are giving each of four lucky winners one of our four titles. That’s one ‘An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child,’ one ‘Aidan’s First Full Moon Circle,’ one ‘Watchers,’ and even one of our newest title, ‘Rabbit’s Song.’
You want a FREE book, don’t you? Well, yeah! Of course you do.
To celebrate Magical Child Book’s second birthday, we are holding a book give-away contest. It is easy to enter.
All you have to do to enter is post an announcement like this one on your blog. Include the youtube.com book trailer for ‘An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child’ in your post. Once you have posted the news on your blog, send us an email with the URL link and your real name. That’s it. You’re entered!
On August 11, 2009, we will announce the winner for each book. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their free book by emailing with their mailing address. If a book goes unclaimed, we’ll draw another name from all the entries. Help us spread the word. Post in your blog an announcement like this. Be sure to EMAIL contest (at) magicalchildbooks (dot) com your link and real name so we can put your name in the drawing.
You can link to this post so everyone knows how to make sure they are entered for a FREE BOOK!
And because we are in such a good mood, if you hurry and you have your blog post up by next Saturday, July 11, 2009, we’ll put you in for you an extra entry. Just for posting by Saturday.
Spread the word! Win a FREE book!
Please only post announcements in places that allow these kinds of posts, we don’t want anyone spamming in our name. Also, make sure to set the post to public so we can view it!
June 2009 coloring page is ready NOW!
Posted by: Lyon
June 24th, 2009 >> Books, Illustration, Thoughts, Tour/Appearance
June has been an extremely busy month. It feels good to finally be able to get back to my normal crazed schedule.
My first event of the year was Memorial Day weekend in Arkansas. I returned to the lovely land of Pyrth Annwn for WytcheHaven Weekend #10. As always, my hosts, the lovely Rio and the wonderful Brennan, went above and beyond to see to my comfort and needs. Since I was still weak from the events in the winter, I was surrounded by my own harem of burden boys. I didn’t have to lift, drag or haul anything. I was even reprimanded for raking leaves from in front of my book booth. I do do like being spoiled. 
Early in June, I received word from the publisher that my first book, ‘An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child,’ was selected as a finalist for the 2009 COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) Visionary Awards. Three finalists are chosen from all entries for each category. The winner for each category is announced at the INATS (International New Age Trade Show) West held in Denver, CO. This year’s Awards Banquet is on June 27th. I will be flying out to Denver to accept the finalist award and hopefully a winning trophy. I am very honored and humbled for my book to be chosen for this prestigious award.
My second event for this year was the St. Louis Pagan Picnic in mid June. (June 13 & 14) Now in its 18th year, it is the largest free Pagan event in the Midwest. St. Louis is in my backyard and personal stomping ground. It is always a pleasure to meet and greet all the local Pagan community members who over the last 5 years have gone from being strangers to fast friends.
Above is a copy of the coloring page installment for June. “O” is for Opet. An Egyptian Goddess, Opet is the subject for “O” in the ABCs of Lesser Known Goddesses. Please visit Magical Child Books’ (the publisher) web site to sign up for the mailing list and get the link to download your FREE copy. There are links to previous coloring pages for newsletter members there as well.
In addition to the newsletter, please friend me on LiveJournal, MySpace, GoodReads, LinkedIn or FaceBook. The publisher also has a fan page on FaceBook, become a fan today.
I recently gave myself a daily challenge with a 30 minute daily doodle. Watch my progress on my illustration blog.
As always, my books, ‘An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child,” “Aidan’s First Full Moon Circle,” “Watchers,” and “Rabbit’s Song,” are all available from the publisher, on my personal website – magickware.com, at your favorite online or brick and mortar bookseller and possibly even you local public library. I know times are tough all over, but dollar for dollar a book is one of the best deals for your entertainment budget. Consider buying one of the above titles for your family or friends. Or ask your local librarian to add them to the children’s section collection.
In closing, I thank each and everyone of you, whether you have purchased a book or not, for joining me on this wonderful and wacky trip of mine. It is because of your unending support that I am living my dream. Your friendship is a true blessing and I am honored to have it.
Interview from last year's Pagan Picnic
Posted by: Lyon
June 17th, 2009 >> About Lyon, Books, Tour/Appearance
I am so excited I can barely breath.
I just found out my book “An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child,” is a finalist in the 2009 COVR Visionary Awards.
All finalists and winners will be announced up on stage on June 27, 2009 in Denver Colorado during the INATS Banquet. Winners will be announced at the banquet. SQUEEEEEEEEEEE…..
I’ve been invited to be there to accept my award. I wish Denver was closer!
Oh my gosh! I can’t breath!
Hello Lyon,
I got the shipment today…and WOW! Fabulous. Did I mention “wow”?
The set of three books arrived today. Beautifully written, enchantingly
illustrated…with gentle messages for all Pagani children.
I’m very pleased.
Warm regards,
Mother Goose and Fooble
www.mothergooseutah.com
New Coloring page is READY!!!
Posted by: Lyon
May 19th, 2009 >> About Lyon, Books, Finished, Illustration, Tour/Appearance
This coming weekend, Memorial Day, I will be returning to Wytchehaven in beautiful Salem, AR. I am very excited to be going back to this private land. The Strawberry River and the howling of coyotes in the evening stirs something deep inside me. And this time, Mama Dragon, my co-author Trudy Herring, will be making an appearance there as well. We will have great fun telling stories of coyote, raven, crow and rabbit to all the kids, big and little!
I want to thank any of you who made a purchase to help me pay off some of my medical expenses. Every little bit helps. I still have several thousand dollars yet to pay off, so if you were planning on making a purchase for yourself or a favorite little one, not only will you be getting a quality Pagan kid’s book, but brownie points as well. Remember, put the coupon code into the shopping cart on check out to get a discount! http://magicalchildbooks.com
In other news, Rabbit’s Song received a 5-star review from the Midwest Book Review. A major review publication, MBR is extremely hard to get into. We were beyond thrilled when we heard the news. To read the review in its entirety, go to either the amazon or B&N page of Rabbit’s Song and scroll down to the reviews. You might even take a moment to add your own review of any of our books. It’s easy to do and helps spread the word.
Blessings,
Lyon
“Rabbit’s Song is an imaginative children’s book written in the style of a folktale…Vivid color illustrations (of a bright green rabbit, a red coyote, and their brown and deep blue avian friends) help draw young readers into this adventurous, magical fable.” – Midwest Book Review
I am beyond excited!!!
November update comes screeching under the wire
Posted by: Lyon
November 30th, 2008 >> Books, New Releases, Thoughts
Merry Hi Friends!
I don’t know about all of you, but my November has been quite full. In fact, it’s been so chock full it got away from me when I stopped to regroup. When I came up for air it was already the 24th!
The month started with my leap into trying to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. November is National Novel Writing Month. http://nanowrimo.org Thousands of aspiring (and published) authors from around the world drop everything to attempt writing a 50,000 word novel in a month. I didn’t make it this year, but my word count is double what I managed last year, so I am pretty pleased.
Next up, I was invited to be a guest speaker at the Annual Fall Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Missouri chapter. I spoke about the process of creating art for picture books from start to finish. See below if you’d like to have me speak at your school, club, group or event. I hold workshops on the publishing process, as well as teaching Pagan centered crafts or workshops.
Right about the same time, I was given my first case as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. http://www.nationalcasa.org/ It’s a volunteer position, but a lot of work. I speak for a child in the foster care system to make sure his/her needs are met and that he/she is placed in a loving, safe and permanent home as soon as possible after being brought into care.
With the recent Thanksgiving holiday just past this week, it only seems fitting to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me in my dreams and career. Without your emails, comments and yes, book purchases, I could not continue to live my dream of writing and illustrating fun and entertaining books for children.
Yule is just around the corner, and many of us are tightening our belts until it hurts. Still, we do want to give gifts to our loved ones. Please consider adding one of my books to the list. Dollar for dollar books are a better investment than most other forms of entertainment. Do your part to help support your local
businesses and buy locally and through independent retailers and booksellers whenever you can. Magical Child Books has made locating your local independent book seller easy. At the bottom of each book’s web page (along side the link to amazon) is an buy Indy link. You click on the link and type in your zip code and the 5 closest book stores to you will be listed with all their contact information.
Below are all my books currently available on the publisher’s web site: http://magicalchildbooks.com, amazon and other online book stores or your favorite book seller.
AN ORDINARY GIRL, A MAGICAL CHILD
Written and illustrated by W. Lyon Martin
Magical Child Books — Trade Picture Book – Available NOW!!!
An Ordinary Girl follows Rabbit, a young Pagan child through the wheel of the Year. Readers follow along with her as she celebrates Wiccan holidays, rituals and spells.
AIDAN’S FIRST FULL MOON CIRCLE
Written and illustrated by W. Lyon Martin
Magical Child Books — Trade Picture Book – Available NOW!!!
An interactive picture book. With hidden pictures in the main story, children get to help a friendly squirrel gather acorns for the coming winter, all the while learning the basics of a Wiccan Full Moon gathering.
WATCHERS
Written and illustrated by W. Lyon Martin
Magical Child Books — Trade Picture Book – Available NOW!!!
Based on a poem by Kelley Magee, this book is a bedtime story filled with subtle Pagan symbols in the illustrations. The hero, Thomas, is worried about the eyes watching him in the dark. He hatches a plan to capture them only to find out what he fears is really there to protect him.
Due for release to booksellers in FEBRUARY 2009
RABBIT’S SONG
Written by S. J. Tucker and Trudy Herring; illustrated by W. Lyon Martin
Magical Child Books — Trade Picture Book
Is currently only available for purchase through the publisher’s web site. A limited number of autographed copies (S.J., Trudy and my signatures are all there for you!) are still available. Buy before December 13th to assure delivery in time for Yule gift giving. Plus, as a special bonus for people placing
pre-orders for Rabbit’s Song, you will receive a MP3 file of Trudy and SJ reading a special story available no where else.. This is a limited time offer and is only available for those placing pre-orders for the book. The MP3 file will be removed from the servers on February 14th, the official release date of the book.
At Magical Child Books you can see inside pages of the books, read reviews and even find teaching guides. You can even leave your own reviews in the publisher’s shopping cart if you want to share your own views on the books.
Freebies:
This month’s coloring page is “L” of the ABC’s of Lesser Know Goddesses. Leucothea is a sea Goddess known for fostering the baby Dionysus. Go to the group’s web site to download this and previous coloring pages. If your budding artist sends me their masterpiece after coloring it in, I’ll post it on my blog. (Please keep files under 1 MG please.) Remember the monthly coloring pages are archived at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicalchildnews/. Let me know if you have a favorite Goddess who you think will be a good addition to the pages. We are only half way through the alphabet, so any letters we haven’t covered (M-Z) are still open for suggestions.
Visits:
To invite me to speak at your school or event, learn more at
http://magicalchild.handcraftedpagan.com/workshops/ or email me at lyon@handcraftedpagan.com.
To view my current schedule of events, go to http://magicalchild.handcraftedpagan.com/bio/appearances/. NOTE: Due to my current involvement as a CASA, I am limiting appearances in 2009 and 2010.
Note:
Again, I appreciate your continued interest in the milestones in this amazing career of mine and hope you’ll invite your friends and family to learn more about my books and enjoy my free downloads by sending them to the links above. Of course, I don’t want to bug you, so if you’d rather not hear about these things, you can always unsubscribe. But I sure hope you’ll stick around to share
this exciting trip!
Bright Blessings,
Lyon
Children’s Book Writer & Illustrator
http://www.handcraftedpagan.com
