Rockstar Book Tours: “Being Free” by J.H. Lyons [Author Interview & Giveaway]

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BEING FREE by J.H. Lyons Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: BEING FREE

Author: J.H. Lyons

Pub. Date: November 1, 2023

Publisher: J.H. Lyons

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 273

Find it: Goodreads, https://beingfreebooks.com/

Based in part on the author’s own spiritual journey, Being Free: On the Inside is a magical realism novel of hope and redemption.

Corey Astin is a lawyer who will spend the next six years in prison.  He knows he did wrong, and wants to make amends, but needs guidance and protection.  The nature of his crime makes him an instant target for other inmates.  As you might expect, county jail offered only a tiny preview of the harsh environment in the maximum-security state prison.  Corey arrives in shackles in the middle of the cold Maine winter, to a poorly-heated cell block, knowing only one person, Carl, from his time in jail.  Corey soon meets Dalton, a man who will become his mentor and teacher of a special way of seeing and using energy called The Choice.  Being chosen is a great honor, but Corey doesn’t know it yet.  He is just beginning to understand what kind of magical world exists within for those who can manifest it.  Told from a first-person perspective, Corey explains his experience in the prison, and his growing friendship with Dalton.  He tells the story as if you are with him, listening to his concerns, and baring his soul.  Get ready to experience the first part of a private and perilous journey into a world that few have ever known.

Interview with the Author:

What are you working on now?

The sequel to Being Free: On the Inside is titled Being Real: Facing Demons.  Corey resumes his spiritual journey at two new facilities which pose their own sets of problems and inspire magical revelations.  I just finished it and am in the process of making final corrections to send the manuscript to my editors.

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Yes, almost all of them.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

Dalton is obviously my favorite.  I love his personality, his wit, his ability to make the most of a bad situation and come up smiling.  My least favorite was Deke.  He’s just someone who uses people and I hate that.

What is your favorite passage/scene in your book?

There is a scene where Corey and Mike sit on the floor and stare at each other around page 113.  It sounds odd but read it and you’ll see why I think it’s so moving.  Also, the real Mike died of a brain tumor and I miss him.  The scene is a short homage to my friend.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I went to prison.  Not really research, but they say write what you know…  I’ve also read a lot of magical realism and love the genre.  My first favorite was the series of Don Juan books by Carlos Castaneda.

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

 Midnight’s Children by Salmon Rushdie.

Favorite social media site?

X, or Twitter, whatever Elon wants to call it now.  Hard to get a better quick take on the pulse of the political worldwhich has always interested me.

Favorite Superhero or Villain?

Growing up it was Spider Man, Batman, Captain Americaand Iron Man.  Now I like Daredevil (the series) the best.  The hero is a blind lawyer.  I love the fact that he’s overcoming his disability and turning it into a superpower.

Favorite TV show?

Battlestar Galactica, the reboot, hands down.

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet be good.  If you want to win my heart, send me Terry’s Milk Chocolate Oranges.  While we’re on the subject, dark chocolate is not really chocolate.

Any Phobias?

Anyone who has ever tried to take blood from me knows that answer to that one.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

The Dead South: In Hell I’ll be in Good Company.  Don’t read into it, I just like the song and have always loved bluegrass.

2024 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Joker: Folie à Deux.  I loved Joaquim Phoenix in Joker and can’t wait to get more of it.  You might think I like the underdogs.  You’d be right.

Do you play video games? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Yes.  PS5 console.  Currently taking a break from the epic Elden Ring and often play WarFrame to pass the time.

About J.H. Lyons:

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but raised in New England, J. H. Lyons now lives in rural Maine with his husband, their Mini Aussie dogs, and a cat in a “big house, little house, barn” farmhouse. He holds degrees in law, political science, computer science and French.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of BEING FREE, US Only.

2 winners will receive audiobook codes for BEING FREE, International

Ends April 30th, midnight EST.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

Week Two: