Author Hywela Lyn
Award-winning author, Hywela Lyn spent most of her life in Wales, whose beautiful landscapes and wealth of myths and legends inspired her to write. A horse and dog lover, she weaves fantasy romances, and romantic Science Fiction adventures set in the future, and on distant, mysterious worlds. She loves dreaming up characters who overcome the odds, and go on to find deep and enduring love. Her feisty heroines and strong heroes often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself. However difficult the journey, in the end love will always win, and she hopes her stories will truly take you ‘out of this world’ and beyond.
She is a member of The Romantic Novelists’ Association (UK), and her local writing group, Chiltern Writers.
Beloved Enemy, the third book in her Destiny Trilogy, was shortlisted in the Paranormal category of the prestigious Romantic Novelists Association RoNA awards and was a Runner up in the RONE Awards in 2017.
This is Author Hywela Lyn’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
I began writing short stories while still at school. When I left school and had several short stories published, I decided I really wanted to write novels. Being busy with earning a living and my other passion of horses and endurance riding in Wales, I didn’t seriously try to get published until after I retired from my job as an office administrator. It did not take me long to realise that everything I wrote turned into a love story, although up until then I had not considered myself to be a romance writer.
I’ve always loved historical westerns. My first novel, Golden Horse Ranch is still languishing in a drawer, waiting to be published one day (perhaps). Having realised that there was little chance of getting a Western romance published in the U.K. I turned my attention to Science Fiction and Fantasy, two genres that I also love to read. I now write fantasy romances, and romantic Science Fiction adventures. Having failed to find a publisher for my debut novel, Starquest, in the UK, I turned to the U.S. and was lucky enough to be published by The Wild Rose Press. Starquest, which had started out as a short story, then a novel, turned into a trilogy. Each book is complete and can be read independently as a ‘stand alone’, with no cliff hanger ending.
My pen-name, Hywela Lyn is a combination of my two Christian names. (I have always been known by my second name ‘Lyn’ and thought it was time my Welsh first name was used as well!)
I love all animals, especially horses and dogs, and having moved to England when I married my late husband, I now share my home with a bossy and very spoilt little ‘rescue’ terrier, Choccy.
Lyn’s inspiration to write…
Books! When I first learnt to read, the stories played in my head like a film, and I was hooked. I would read four or five books a week from our local library, and sometimes fell so much in love with the characters that I would create stories about them in my mind. This led to me creating my own characters, for myself and my friends, and sending them off on impossible adventures. I never really believed I could ever be a published author. It was a dream I kept to myself – and one day it came true!
Challenges as an Author…
Like many authors, I find promotion a real challenge. It’s not easy to try to entice readers to purchase one’s book without being ‘pushy’ and one has to try to be subtle, and not appear too desperate! I enjoy promoting other authors on my blog for various blog tour operators and I do find that generally authors are very supportive and willing to help each other.
My other challenge is my characters. They tend to argue with me and try to change the plot. In fact, my lead character in Starquesttold me that her story did not end the way I originally wrote it. After a while she brought in another character to back her up. “Just try it our way,” he whispered in my mind. I did, and realised they were right. I rewrote the ending, which although a bit of a twist, was actually much more logical.
Lyn’s favourite line from “Starquest.” This is the first book in theDestiny Trilogy…
Jess has been discussing the existence of a Divine Creator with the Destiny’s handsome and charismatic, but rather dour and pragmatic Second in Command, as she marvels at the beauty of the stars.
“I trust only in the things I know and can control. I do not waste my time on fantasy or myths.”
“It must be very gratifying to be so self-sufficient you need no one and nothing but yourself,” Jess said, without trying to suppress the note of scornful resignation in her voice.
“It avoids disappointment.”
Lyn’s publications…
(Each book can be read as a ‘standalone’ and is available individally as eBook, Trade Paperback and Audiobook)
Dancing With Fate (A fantasy novella combining Welsh, Greek and Arthurian legends)
Lyn’s future publications…
My forthcoming paranormal equestrian romance The Matchmaker’s Mare is due to be published in early 2025 by The Wild Rose Press. It is set in my native Wales and features two mischievous matchmaking spirits, a young woman recovering from a broken relationship, a single dad, and a mysterious wild pony mare.
One of Lyn’s proudest achievements in her writing career…
Being placed as runner up in the RONE Awardswith Beloved Enemyand being nominated for the Romantic Novelists Association RoNA awards, with the same book. (Sorry that’s two, but I was thrilled with both of them).
Advice and words of encouragement from Author Hywela Lyn for aspiring authors…
I wrote to the famous Science Fiction author of The Dragon riders of Pern, the late Anne McCaffrey, asking her what advice she would give an aspiring author. She wrote back and said, “Write what you would like to read.” I have always followed that advice, and happily pass it on. Also, read as much as you can in all the genres you enjoy. Don’t write what you think is popular, or will sell, unless you really enjoy that genre. If your heart is not in what you write, it will show in your writing. Don’t expect to make a lot of money out of writing, but do it for the love of writing, and the thrill of seeing your words published. There is no feeling like it.
Hi Hywella Lyn , feels strange callling you that , very proud to be your friend whatever i call you , i have read your books and loved them , i now only read my kindle as it is easier to see and read in bed , would be lovely if your books were on kindle , my mum also loved your books , i read them to her , mum being blind could only continue her life long love of reading through talking books , good luck in all you do , love always. Alma
Hello Alma, thanks so much, it is lovely to know that you’ve read and enjoyed my books – that’s the greatest reward an author can have! So happy that you read them to your mum too! (Actually all my books are available on Kindle, and The Destiny Trilogy is available on Audible.)