FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH - The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

Tricia's review can be found here

Interview with Heather and Hermes (and special guest, Dusa)

Hi Heather and Hermes, it’s so nice to have you at Romance Addict Book Blog today! *blushes when she looks at Hermes*

Heather: Hi Tricia!
Hermes: Hello, Tricia. [hugs Tricia] It’s great to see you.

So Heather, other readers and I want to know—why Medusa? What made you want to write her story? Was there a certain inspiration?

Well, first and foremost, I adore mythology. I grew up devouring different world myths and legends. But as for why I picked Medusa . . . the honest truth is, her legend always sat wrong with me. She was raped and then punished for being raped. I hated the whole victim-blaming angle of it—even if certain strands of the legends explain it more as Athena and Poseidon squabbling more than having anything really to do with Medusa. Maybe that just made it worse? That she was collateral damage? I used to wonder what somebody who had this happen to them would be like—especially if they had a good heart to begin with.

I wanted to give Medusa her shot at a second chance that the original myths denied.

What was the hardest part of writing The Deep End of the Sea?

Poseidon’s assaults on Medusa, for sure. To get into that frame of mind was really tough. I did a lot of research into sexual assault survivors and their recoveries and reactions, which was as horrifying as you can imagine.

The easiest?

The ending. I saw it clear as day in my head and knew exactly how I wanted it to go. The ending always makes me so happy. For what it’s worth, I wrote it to The Weepies’ Paintings by Chagall, so that makes me extra happy, listening to that song and imagining what happens.

Did you find it difficult to make Poseidon a person and not just a monster?

Actually, yes—because we automatically assume anyone who could do such a thing to another person is a monster. But monster or no, I knew I had to give him what he viewed as concrete reasons for his actions. I wanted him to be . . . less than cliché, if that makes sense. He genuinely thought he was in the right, which is perhaps the scariest thing of all. Ever scarier? There are people out there that truly believe stuff like that.

Did you have to do a lot of research for TDEotS? Were you an avid fan of Greek mythology beforehand?

Oh, I’ve been a huge mythology lover for most of my life—more than just Greek and Roman, too. I love learning about various world mythologies and seeing how the ancients explained their world. For TDEotS, I did do quite a bit of research into the various Medusa legends as well as a number of others. There are a bunch of Easter eggs hidden within the story that may not necessarily mean much to the average reader, but will make myth junkies smile a little. But I definitely put my own spin on the legends, too, to suit the story.

What do you think is the best thing about TDEotS? For people who haven’t read it yet, what would you want to say to get them to read it?

Oh, that’s hard . . . this is one of my favorite stories I’ve told, to be honest. And I think I love Medusa’s growth and resiliency as well as Hermes’ devotion, which isn’t necessarily a trait often seen in the Greek legends. For those who are wanting to read it, I’d like to say: This is a quiet, character driven story that’s about growth and hope, and the power of love and acceptance.

Would you ever consider writing some scenes from Hermes POV?

Heather: Actually, yes.

Hermes: [pretends to be shocked] You’d tell my secrets?

Heather: Uh, yes. Yes, I would.

We had a reader ask—what characters were cut from your original concept? After finishing the book and seeing the great feedback, have you considered companion novels? Not necessarily a series but a minor character or prequel?

It’s funny they ask this, because yes—in my original drafts of the story, Medusa befriended a brother and sister pair in Jackson named Hunter and Holly. Eventually, that got whittled down to just Hunter and then he was jettisoned completely, because the focus needed to be on Medusa’s journey, not his. As for companion novels . . . yes. Readers probably noticed I put in hints in TDEotS that many of the other world pantheons are up and running, too. I’d love to do some companion novels that feature these different pantheons. But Medusa’s story is told; I’m happy with her ending.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on a contemporary romance, but after that I have two urban fantasy books on the horizon, including the fifth (companion) book to my Fate series.

Hi Hermes, what have you been up to lately?

[smiles easily] As always, I am kept quite busy with work from my father.

Have you taken any trips with Medusa lately since Paris?

Hermes: I have made it one of my goals to introduce her to all the places she’s long yearned to see. We recently just got back from Africa—she wanted to test out if her Khosian was up to snuff.

Heather: That’s an African language that has clicks in it. I hear it’s very difficult to learn.

Hermes: Dusa is brilliant with languages. I wish I were as good as her with such things.

Heather: You’re a god.

Hermes: Are you saying that, because of my divinity, I excel at languages?

Heather: Actually, yes.

Hermes: [chuckles] Fine. I’m not too bad at them, but Dusa truly excels at them. I’ve always been awed at her determination to perfect dialects over the years.

Are you and Medusa still living with Hades and Persephone or have you moved out into your own place yet? Oh, and we have a reader who wants to know if you will be buying a chaise for your new home *giggles*

Hermes: [looks to Heather incredulously]

Heather: [shrugs]

Hermes: Actually, renovations on our home were recently completed, so we’re no longer living under her parents’ roof. [chuckles quietly] Which is a bit of a relief, to be honest. As for a chaise . . . I’ve left the decorating up to Dusa. If she wants a chaise, she’ll have a chaise.

Heather: You do know what they’re referring to, right?

Hermes: [glares; taps fingers against the side of the chair]

Heather: I’m just sayin’.

*enter Medusa* Oh wow, hi Dusa welcome to the blog! *she’s gorgeous in person. She and Hermes are absolutely perfect together*

[gives Tricia a hug] Thank you so much for having us. [sits down next to Hermes; he takes her hand and holds it in his lap]

So, I’ve been dying to know, Hermes—what all was going on in Olympus during that six months when you were separated from Dusa?

I spent all my free time searching for loopholes in . . . [glances worriedly at Dusa] the Lord of the Sea’s insane claims. While I still had to work for my father, he was lenient with me to some degree. He knew my mind was made up and how I felt. At times, though, it felt like I was beating my head against a brick wall until Death came to talk to me. After that, I pursued every lead I could.

Dusa—do you mind if I ask you some questions too?

[blushes] Go for it.

Now that you’ve been to Paris, where are some other places you want to visit?

I think the better question is, where don’t I want to go? For so long, the world was only available to me via books and screens. My time in Greece, outside of Gorgóna, was limited to a very scant time in my life. And then, once I got my second chance, all I saw was Olympus and Jackson. [turns toward Hermes] And now the world is wide open and so very, very beautiful. I hope to be able to put sounds and smells and tastes to sights I’ve long imagined.

Do you guys have any plans for the wedding yet?

[Dusa blushes again]

Hermes: [grins] That might have already happened.

Dusa: It was perfect—small and meaningful, with the people we love the most there to share the day with us.

Hermes: It was perfect. It was perfect because it was with you. [kisses her hand]

Hermes, what’s your favorite thing about Dusa, and Dusa, what’s your favorite thing about Hermes?

[they look at each other and smile]

Hermes: Hmm . . . my favorite things about Dusa are . . . her large heart and her ability to love. She had so much thrown at her over the years, and yet . . . she never let it kill her spirit. That’s beautiful to me.

Dusa: [leans over and kisses his cheek] You’re horribly biased.

Hermes: [is amused] And?

Dusa: And nothing. I’m just merely pointing out you’re biased. [smiles softly] As I am, because I find your steadfastness and refusal to let wrongs be ignored beautiful.

Okay, let’s play a little game, shall we? With all three of you. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear these words?

Books.

Heather: Wait. Is this like one word association? I’d say . . . Essential. Books are essential to me. Shoot. That was more than one word.

Hermes: I agree with that.

Heather: That I said more than one word or that you also think them essential?

Hermes: Uh—

Heather: No matter. You have to have your own answer, you know.

Hermes: [sighs; chuckles] Fine. Pleasurable. Books are pleasurable.

Dusa: Books saved me for years. They’re perfect doorways to imagination.

Bed.

Heather: Um . . . Desirable. I like sleep. A lot.

Hermes: [is incredulous] You really want me to answer that?

Dusa: [whispers in his ear]

Hermes: Fine. Big. Our bed is big.

Dusa: [turns bright red]

Hermes: We’re married, love. I assume they know we share a bed.

Food.

Heather: Also essential—as in: good food makes life all the better.

Hermes: Unnecessary and yet pleasurable at times.

Dusa: I love to cook! And bake—I adore baking. I may no longer need to eat, but I love to putter around the kitchen every chance I can.

Love.

Heather: Another essential thing.

Hermes: Love makes life all the more beautiful and meaningful.

Dusa: [touches his face] I couldn’t have said that better, except to add that love comes in many shapes and sizes, and that all kinds are precious.

Home.

Heather: Mine is chaotic—I have three small children. So, chaotic and loud.

Hermes: Until Dusa, home was . . . just a place to hang my hat in. And now it’s a place I look forward to being.

Dusa: A home equals safety.

Music.

Heather: I feel like a parrot here. This is also essential. I’m a music junkie!

Hermes: It’s true. She was very particular with the songs she wrote our story to.

Dusa: I love music. Hermes and Dite have taken me to a few concerts, and . . . [smiles so brightly it’s nearly blinding] it was wonderful. Magical.

Clothes.

Heather: If I could, I’d wear a cute dress every single day.

Hermes: I don’t give clothes much thought, to be honest. I just like to be comfortable.

Dusa: [squeezes his hand fondly; chuckles] Much to Dite’s disappointment.

Hermes: She’ll live.

Dusa: I love jeans. And shorts! And pants in general, although I still love dresses. Truth be told, now that I’m not half reptilian, I’m finding a lot of joy in dressing up.

Movies.

Heather: Jane Austen films make me so, so happy.

Dusa: Me too!

Hermes: [rolls eyes]

Dusa: We watched both the old and new Clash of the Titans recently—

Heather: Really? Why would you do that?

Dusa: For fun.

Hermes: Not so much fun for me, if you want to know. I was enraged when that fop cut her head off—

Dusa: [touches neck] My head is firmly attached to my body.

Hermes: Nonetheless, we wanted to see if any of the movie was realistic. It was a load of rubbish. [is thoughtful for a moment] Except for the part where Athena went all batshit crazy. That was pretty spot on.

Family.

Heather: Family is everything to me.

Hermes: What she said.

Dusa: Family is a gift, and should always be treasured.

Heather, do you have any last advice for aspiring writers out there?

Write as often as you can. And then write some more. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback—and then listen to what’s being said.

Thank you three so much for stopping by! You’re all welcome any time!

Heather: Thanks for having us!

Dusa: Yes, Tricia—thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve shown our story. It means oh so very much to us.

Hermes: You’re more than welcome to come visit us in Olympus anytime.

Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

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