Most Requested Topics
Responsibility and how it can change you for better or for worse:
Being “stuck” in a job or an unfavorable position and how to keep perspective and not let it squash your motivation and desire to dream.
Enduring tragedy, crisis, and stress and turning it into an opportunity:
When going through periods of emotional ups and downs, let it lead you to the dark places, follow the journey, and come out the other side a better person.
Self-analysis:
Take stock of who you are and where you came from so you know where to go.
Eyes always open:
Opportunity comes in many forms. Luck doesn’t exist. It’s preparation meeting opportunity.
Challenge yourself:
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
Dreamers have to be realists:
Following your dream requires dedication, hard work, humor, and perspective. Everything is relative.
About This Speaker
Tamara Lyon grew up in rural Sugar Grove, IL, a small suburb west of Chicago. After graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1996 with a degree in English, Lyon student taught at St. Charles High School and then went on to teach ESL at Waubonsee Community College for a semester. After moving to Milwaukee in 1997, she switched careers and became a computer consultant for Compuware Corporation. She supported her husband through his last year of undergraduate at Marquette and continued to support him through graduate school.
Lyon grew restless in her computer career but couldn’t figure out the direction she should take. In 2000, shortly after the birth of her son and after her husband’s graduation, Lyon endured several family tragedies that sent her straight to a mid-life crisis at the tender age of twenty-five. After much introspection, she quit her job and returned to her love: writing. In early 2001 she officially began working toward her dream of becoming a novelist. Then, in 2002, her husband decided to attend medical school, throwing a wrench into Lyon’s plans. No longer able to focus solely on becoming a novelist, she had to find a way to earn a steady income. She began a cleaning business.
Over the past eight years, Lyon has been supporting her husband through medical school and residency, running a cleaning business, raising her son, and tirelessly writing. Her dedication paid dividends as she is now the author of three published novels and is currently working on her fourth.
Her first novel, Falling to Him, published by Goblin Fern Press, was released in 2006. Because of the success of Falling to Him, Comfort Publishing, a traditional publisher, offered Lyon a contract for her second novel, Fixing Forever Broken. InMay of 2010 at the Book ExpoAmerica in New York, Fixing Forever Broken was awarded the bronze medal in the romance category from the Independent Publisher. The Ugly Tree, Lyon’s third novel, made its debut this August and already has been nominated for the Abraham Lincoln Award and the YALSA Alex Award.
Over the past two years, Lyon has been speaking at high schools, women’s groups, churches, private homes, and professional organizations where she shares her personal journey, tells humorous anecdotes about her day job, and motivates others to chase their dreams, despite all the obstacles that may come their way.
What Clients Are Saying
“The Ugly Tree is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. It had an intriguing and original plot line.” Flamingnet.com
“A memorable and dramatic journey from first page to last, The Ugly Tree is highly recommended.” Midwest Book Review – Received Five Stars
“As an adult reader, The Ugly Tree is one of those books that take you back to own first summer romance and force you to recall the painful, joyful essence of being a teenager. This book captures that tenuous struggle fabulously in the emotional journey of Cane Kallevik during the summer of 1992. While Cane’s precocious nature and youthful optimism will surely endear her to readers of her own age group (“15 going on 16”), her vulnerability and will to overcome and survive has universal appeal. The Ugly Tree is a well thought out story, and the characters are intricately intertwined in a way that will make it difficult to put the book down!” Angela Radtke
“Loved it!! I finally got a chance over the weekend to read The Ugly Tree! It’s such a quick read; I couldn’t put it down! The kids are going to be huge fans, I just know it! I cannot wait until they read it and I have someone to talk about it with. I’m very much looking forward to your visit.” Kristin Flanagan
“I was totally enthralled with The Ugly Tree.” Dawn Truelson
“This is a refreshing coming of age story that brings you back to adolescence where life was full of invigorating new experiences along with your most embarrassing moments. The main character, Cane, is witty, insightful and easy to relate to. It is impossible not to get caught up in her world of first love. In the end, this book makes one think about what is most important in life including family and close friends. As in all three of Tamara’s novels, I became so engrossed in her characters that I couldn’t stop reading to find out what would happen to them. I’ll be anxiously awaiting Tamara’s next novel!!” Laurie Wood
“I LOVED (The Ugly Tree) this novel. It has a great soul. It was so easy to be transported into the town of Savage and immediately care about the residents there. The straight-forward, wise beyond her years and witty way Cane sees the world makes you instantly connect with her. It’s a unique coming of age story that is so entertaining, but has a depth you wouldn’t expect. This book is proof why you should always give newer authors a chance. I can’t wait to see what Lyons puts out next.” Jennifer Miklos
“Just finished Fixing Forever Broken - Man was that a great book. I am going to read The Ugly Tree next and then work on your 1st book. I read quite a bit – and if you can get your stuff to the big guys – I certainly believe you could be bigger than Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts, etc, etc.” Deb Gehrissome of the areas that Abby went thru too. I know you are busy this weekend and I look forward to talking to you about the book. Thank you for sharing them with me
“Characters are well developed. As such, I stood, hateful, with Abby at her father’s gravesite; I saw her look askance to see broken-hearted Eli standing behind the crowd of mourners. I guarantee that all who read Fixing Forever Broken will enjoy this powerful drama as much as I did.” Blog critics.
“(Fixing Forever Broken) An intricate novel of complicated relationships, highly recommended.” Midwest Book Review – Received Five Stars
Recent Clients
• Batavia High School, Batavia, IL 2011
• Beloit Alrich Middle School, WI 2011
• Edgerton Rotary, WI 2011
• Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 2010
• Sterling North Book and Film Festival, Edgerton, WI 2010
• Edgerton High School, Edgerton, WI 2010
• The Pat Snyder Radio Show, Wausau, WI 2010
• Comic Con, Edgerton, WI 2010
• Milwaukee Public Radio, Milwaukee, WI 2010
• Lisle High School English Classes, Lisle, IL 2010
• Lisle Library, Lisle, IL 2010
• American Family Insurance Book Club, Madison, WI 2010
• Sugar Grove Methodist Church, Sugar Grove, IL 2010
• Maple Park Methodist Church, Maple Park, IL 2010
• Rochelle Township High School, Rochelle, IL 2010
• Rochelle Library, Rochelle, IL 2010
• Milton Women’s Sorority, Milton, WI 2009
• Edgerton Book Festival, Edgerton, WI 2009
• Narrative Judge and Presenter at the Western Sun Conference Literary Festival, IL 2010, 2009, 2008
• Milton Career Day, Milton, WI 2008
• Lakes Area Women’s Society, Elkhorn, WI 2006 |
