Author comes home to lead writing workshop, sign books
Provided photos – “Satan’s Garden” was written by Kit Lyman and has received a positive response from her hometown of Albion.
Kit Lyman’s debut novel gets good reviews
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
ALBION – Kit Lyman is coming home to Albion this week to lead a writing workshop and also sign copies of her debut novel, a self-published psychological thriller “Satan’s Garden.”
Lyman will be returning to Albion from Texas to visit the community that has helped make her a success. She has sold about 1,100 copies of her book and earned some strong reviews.
“It’s been the Top Rated Kidnapping Thriller on Amazon for the past three months now, and I’ve also received top ratings from renowned reviewers, such as Amazon Top 500 Reviewers, IndieReader, and Readers’ Favorite,” Lyman said. “I’m currently a finalist for two categories in Readers’ Favorite’s 2014 Book Awards Contest, and the winners will be announced in September.”
The Huffington Post also took an interest in Lyman’s novel. Nina Sankovitch, Huffington Post reviewer and author of two best-selling books, was approached by Lyman’s sister Laura Sidari. Laura convinced Nina to review the book on her Huffington Post blog.
In July, Lyman traveled to Chicago for a book talk at City Lit Books, an independent bookstore. Albion grad Tara Garcia Mathewson approached City Lit’s events coordinator about hosting Lyman. Two months after that, Lyman was welcomed as the featured event.
“It was a very surreal experience,” said Lyman. “I owe so much to the readers and friends who speak up about the book and vouch for it. Pursuing a full-blown book tour is challenging as a self-published author, so events tend to evolve on their own and come about when there is public interest.”
Kit Lyman
On Monday, Lyman will be at the Hoag Library for a writers’ workshop event, beginning at 9 a.m. Della Morales, the Albion High School Media Specialist, had originally asked Lyman to speak to high school students. As the community began to hear about the event on the Authors at Albion Facebook page, interest grew to the point that the event was opened to the public.
“I’m thrilled about the event,” Lyman said about the program at the library. “I think high school is such a defining time, and I feel privileged to have this opportunity. A good portion of my book focused on high school pressures and the coming-of-age struggles that we all go through. I would love to talk at other high schools in the future, and I think Albion is the perfect place to start.”
Lyman plans to begin the event as a book discussion and Q&A focusing on what she has learned in the last five years. The workshop portion will revolve around the style, substance and structure of story.
“I have found that there are basic foundations and building blocks to all types of storytelling,” she said. “Inspiration is largely about unveiling those secrets and finding ways to use that knowledge to your advantage.”
Lyman will also be at Bindings Bookstore for a book-signing at 3 p.m. on Saturday. That event will be at 28 West Bank St. and is timed to coincide with the Sip and Stroll wine-tasting in Albion. She plans to have a more informal meet-and-greet during that time. She is excited to talk individually to readers and answer more specific questions about her book.
“Having that kind of opportunity is so important because it allows me to learn more about what is working and what isn’t,” she said. “It also gives me a chance to address any unanswered questions people may have about the book.”
Bindings Bookstore will have copies available during the Hoag workshop or the book can be requested for the Sip and Stroll event by calling the bookstore at (585) 283-4498.
