My name is David but most people insist on calling me Dave. Guess I'll just have to be a bloody Dave then.
I am an author of fiction novels, an editor of fiction novels and have taught creative fiction writing for an amount of years you wouldn’t believe judging by my fresh little face. Look at that picture of me head there… cute or wha’?
From inner city Dublin to middle England. Quite literally.
My name is David, or Dave as everyone insists on calling me for some poxy reason. I’m not a fan of being called Dave, but nobody seems to give a shit.
Anyway, let’s get to it!
I am an author. I used to be a journalist. For 15 years I worked on the sports desks of national newspapers but I was also an award-winning music reviewer and at one stage I even had one of those cheesy celebrity two-page spread columns in a Sunday tabloid. That was fun! I tried to write fiction while I was a journalist… but it wasn’t easy. However, when I did finally hang up my dictaphone, I fell into line in terms of disciplining myself and – four months later – I managed to finish my first novel. I signed a three-book publishing deal off the back of that manuscript and haven’t looked back since. But things weren’t as straight forward as they may seem. I struggled. A lot. I’ve been where you are right now. I’ve walked that whole path – took the long route and went through a hundred pairs of shoes in order to walk it. I’m now absolutely proud to say I am an international bestselling author. And am certain you could be too. If you applied yourself correctly.
I am an editor. I have edited dozens of novels and have worked with prestigious publishing houses in Bookouture and Bloodhound Books; editing novels for bestselling authors such as Sibel Hodge, Lauren Westwood, Owen Mullen and Rob Ashman among many others. I also work with authors who are just starting out on their journey and have helped many in that regard to get their author career up and running.
I am an educator. I have taught Creative Writing at Coventry University, at Rathmines College and at King Edward VI Camphill Grammar school. I’m a fully qualified teacher (what fun getting that qualification was!) and have been teaching in this subject area since 2006.
"My approach to helping future authors is to cut out any semblance of bullshit."
I have set up this website to share my experiences of writing novels, editing novels and teaching creative writing with you, and genuinely believe that you can, like me, become a bestselling author.
Honestly. I’m not bullshitting you. In fact my approach to helping future authors is to cut out any semblance of bullshit. Hence the brand name: The Open Author.
I am going to be wide open, utterly transparent and one hundred per cent honest with you. I may have a Degree in Creative Writing, but as you will find through the content I release in my vlogs, I am insistent that you don’t need such a qualification. However, there are skill sets you will need to improve upon if you are to transfer the story idea you have inside your head on to paper. I can help you with that. And I will also help you enjoy that process.
I don’t expect you to re-learn the technicalities of the English language. I will not be asking you to make a return to secondary school to learn language devices such as metaphors or similes or personification or any of that shit. You don’t need to understand the nuances of these technical devices in order to write a novel. You just need to learn some simple techniques that I have successfully taught many a student over many a year.
Writing a novel is much easier and much more enjoyable than you can imagine. Getting published – in the modern era – is also easier than you can imagine. Now, I’m not saying I will guarantee you will sign a three-book publishing deal with your debut novel – but I will guarantee that I can help you get over your fear of putting that novel on to paper and I will improve your ability within a matter of weeks of you taking any of my courses or workshops. I will also teach you how you can get published.
Your dream of becoming an author is not far-fetched at all. Have a look around this website and check out the free video tutorials. If you like the cut of my jib and feel it has helped you in any way, get in touch with me. And let’s see how we can get that story idea out of the pretty little head of yours and finally on to paper.
I love helping you write, because I know how good it feels to write.
“I have been a university lecturer for over fifteen years but rarely come across minds like David's nor teachers who can connect with their students with such natural ease.”
Dr. John Keenan, Senior Lecturer in Education, Newman University
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had David edit my debut novel. He was quick, efficient and reliable, and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him. .”
CS Savage, critically-acclaimed author
“He is a highly skilled and talented editor. I greatly appreciated his insightful and constructive feedback which both motivated and encouraged me”
CM Stephenson, critically-acclaimed author
“David has a real talent as a storyteller. He is a great new voice in fiction..”
John A. Marley, Renowned author
“David teaches creative writing through personal experience. He delivered an excellent seminar and workshop on the unreliable narrator at Coventry University.”
Poppy Sall, former student of David Lyons
“Less gifted editors - I know because I've met them - attempt to shape a manuscript in their likeness, rather than bringing focus and, where needed, direction to what is already on the page. David brings both”
Owen Mullen, No. 1 Bestselling Author
“David is a pleasure to work with. The straightforward and no nonsense approach he uses is something I greatly appreciate. I’m so proud of what we achieved together.”
AB Morgan, critically-acclaimed author
"What a fantastic, intense, addictive, and incredibly clever read which definitely left me guessing until the very last page"
The Writing Garnet, Book Reviewer
“I appreciate David's straightforward approach; he's very clear about why he's suggested changes and does it in a warm and encouraging way. I would certainly recommend him and hope he'll be working on my next book”
AJ Waines, international bestselling author
“David has a unique narrative approach to his writing that ensures readers are gripped to the page. I swallow his books in one sitting”
Sharon Thompson, No.1 Bestselling author
“David was named winner of the Most Promising Author of the Year last year. His writing is amazing!”
Rubina Gomes, Book blogger and reviewer
"If you’re looking for a high quality editor you really don’t need to look any further."
John Nicholl, critically-acclaimed author
“He cuts through the gristle and gets to the heart of your manuscript, providing an incisive critique of everything from overarching plot structure to syntax”
M.R. Mackenzie, critically-acclaimed Author
“It was great working with David. He's very thorough and professional and made the whole editing experience hugely pleasurable”
Sibel Hodge, Renowned author
“David is an author to watch out for. He really is an outstanding craftsman in the thriller genre. A passionate writer with a gift for the craft”
Andrew Barrett, No.1 Bestselling author
“He doesn’t use any fluffy academic terms, he speaks to you as if you are a peer and he has a great ability to make you believe you really can achieve your dream of becoming an author”
David Newman, former student of David Lyons
“David is an inspiring teacher. His contemporary course content is delivered in an accessible, relevant and challenging format to his students. His classes are always interactive and he applies a most conscientious approach”
Niamh Ward, Head of Media, Rathmines College
“David is an entertaining and informative speaker and our students have been highly gratified to have an author working at the cutting edge of contemporary crime writing leading their workshop”
Tim Kelly, course director of Professional Creative Writing, Coventry University
“David is an inspiring teacher. His Creative Writing teaching is very much centred on the student”
Martin Garrod, Headteacher - King Edward VI school, Camphill
“David has professionally edited four of my books and I’ve been delighted with the results every time. He has a collaborative style that is both supportive and encouraging”
Rob Ashman, No. 1 Bestselling Author
“Lyons wrote a high-octane page-turner that’ll leave you guessing right until the end”
Brian Carroll, Irish Mail on Sunday
“David’s corrections, observations and advice are immensely helpful, and ultimately greatly enhanced the finished novel. I would therefore highly recommend his services”
NM Brown, critically-acclaimed author
“His feedback was very helpful - clearly explaining why he was suggesting the changes he had. I was very lucky to work with David and would happily do so again”
Rebecca Muddiman, critically-acclaimed author
“Told in short chapters from each character’s viewpoint, David B. Lyons’ debut thriller is neatly plotted and has a devastating twist in its tail”
Myles McWeeney, Literary critic - Irish Independent