It’s almost time for me to be back on the road. This month’s appearances are:

Tulsa, Oklahoma: OPHA Pagan Pride Days — Sep 11, 2010 – Sep 12, 2010

http://www.oklapha.org/paganpride.htm

Columbia, Missouri
Mid Missouri Pagan Pride Day — Sep 19, 2010

http://www.midmopaganpride.org/

Southern Ozarks, Missouri
Soule Fest — Sep 30, 2010 5:00pm – Oct 3, 2010 5:00pm

http://www.wolvenwold.drak.net/sf2010.html

If you are in any of these areas, I’d love to see you. Please come by. In Tulsa I will also be doing a reading of my newest book “Smoky and the Feast of Mabon” written by Catherynne M. Valente.

Speaking of “The Feast of Mabon,” it’s been getting rave reviews since its official release on August 21.

There are two 5-star reviews over at amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Smoky-Feast-Mabon-Catherynne-Valente/dp/0979683467

MidWest Book Review says “…”Smoky and the Feast of Mabon” is a lovely book that teaches children to appreciate the gifts of each season, but particularly fall, and not to mourn the passing of beautiful flowers or plants because they give many good gifts in their endings, and in their endings is another beginning. “Smoky and the Feast of Mabon” is enhanced by spectacular illustrations which bring the magical child story new dimensions. “Smoky and the Feast of Mabon” is written particularly for children ages 5-9.”

The book is available now for purchase at your favorite retailers. If they don’t have it, ask them to stock it for you. Please buy your copy now so you have it in time for Mabon on Sept 21. You can also purchase directly from the publisher at http://magicalchildbooks.com/smoky.html

If you head over to the publisher, you can also get a free teaching guide for “The Feast of Mabon.” It’s perfect for classroom, home school or Spiral Scout activities. http://magicalchildbooks.com/smokyguide.html

Hopefully, you have had a chance to download your ABC Goddess coloring page which was sent out earlier this week. This leave us 3 more letters before the series is complete.

Until next time, may the Lord and Lady keep you safe and bless your harvests, whatever your crop may be.

Blessings,
Lyon

No Comments | Tags: Columbia MO, rave book reviews, Smoky and the Feast of Mabon, Tulsa OK

I cannot believe it’s been months since I was able to sit down and work on a coloring page Goddess. Between getting the art for my newest book done and touring around the country and dealing with family stuff, I have been running full tilt since January.

I have a full page of things to do on my to-do list, but I am happy to say I have marked off the ‘U’ installment coloring page for the ABCs of Lesser Known Goddesses. This Goddess is from India and is called Ushas. She’s a dawn Goddess which seems perfect for the beginning of May and spring in full bloom around us. To download your free pdf, sign up to the mailing list and check the files section for this page and archived previous pages.

The newest book “Smoky and the Feast of Mabon” by Catherynne M. Valente is done and even though the ink is barely dry, you can grab your very own copy directly from the publisher (http://magicalchildbooks.com) before it is available anywhere else. So far it’s been getting rave reviews. My friend Ginger Doss said the art fills her heart to overflowing with peace and contentment. I can think of no higher praise. Please head over to the web site and get your copy now. (And if you are into soul sister music Ginger’s new CD “Hand and Hammer” is coming out this month!)

The final appearance for for me in May is at the Heartland Pagan Festival in Kansas, May 27-31. I will be signing books and giving workshops for the kids! Please stop by and see me if you are there.

Bright Blessings,
Lyon

Comments Off | Tags: free coloring page, Heartland Pagan Festival, Smoky and the Feast of Mabon

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!

2 Comments | Tags: Catherynne Valente, free coloring page, Smoky and the Feast of Mabon

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

Comments Off | Tags: abc coloring page, Abc lesser known Goddesses, Catherynne M Valente, Magical Child Books, school visits, Smoky and the Feast of Mabon