Celebrating Carrie Ann Ryan
From nuclear chemistry to bestselling romance novels, Carrie Ann Ryan’s journey to becoming a beloved voice in indie publishing is anything but conventional. And all the more inspiring because of it.
In this heartfelt post, Carrie shares how a love of storytelling, a leap of faith, and the early support of B&N Press helped her transform a creative spark into a career that has touched millions of readers.
With her 150th book Accidentally Forever—an emotional, next-generation story from her fan-favorite Montgomery Ink world—Carrie reflects on the milestones, challenges, and joys that shaped her path. Join us in celebrating this powerhouse of indie romance and her enduring connection with Nook readers.
Take it away Carrie…
My Writing Journey
Writing was never my goal as a child. I moved every two years or so as a child of an CMSAF (Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force). This meant I rarely was able to find a true path or settle down. All I knew was that I wanted to learn all the things and figure out who I was. I skipped a grade or two, started school early, and ended up in the nuclear chemistry field with a focus on math and physics.
In other words—who had time to be creative?
Then I realized I’d burned myself out and needed rest (and a few doctors but I digress…). My friend handed me a romance book and everything changed from there. I couldn’t stop reading for pleasure and along the way, I remembered something from my childhood.
I’d loved to create. I told stories as a kid to the point I was always in charge of our playtime make believe. I’d see a random interaction in front of me and form a backstory. Even though I’d never see that person again…
I’d always been creative—I just hadn’t realized it.
In the summer of 2010, I wrote my first book. That book will never see the light of day because it was a sheer testament of practice. Going from writing scientific papers where you can’t use contractions and must be in past tense to writing fiction was eye opening.
But by Nov 2011, I was ready to take that next step.
I had a full-time career in science and wanted to do things on my own terms. My late husband was supportive. He wanted me to find something that made me happy as we worked in our jobs together.
At that time, there weren’t many options to self-publish. There was a single aggregator for multiple places, going direct for one other place…and Pub It (now called B&N Press). Yes, I’ve been around long enough that I fell in love with B&N two iterations ago!
I hit publish and hoped for the best. That book far surpassed expectations and I was able to become a full-time author a couple of months later.
Selling over seven million (I think more now?) books later, I can honestly say this career of mine is a surprise.
My Love of Nook
I will be publishing my 150th book this summer. It’s unreal. Yet I know the literal blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into these books makes the sleepless nights and stressful deadlines worth it.
Nook was one of the TWO places I published that first few months. They helped push indie authors before many other places even existed, and I’ve always been grateful. I’m still a wide author—meaning my books are on ALL platforms and not exclusive to one website—and a major reason for that are my Nook readers.
Many have been with me for the past 14 years and I know I wouldn’t be here without them. I’ve done Barnes & Noble book signings in person with my paperbacks and have worked with the team at B&N Press for as many years as I’ve been published. Then, I’ve hit the NYT and USA Today list multiple times because many of my readers are here through Barnes & Noble. I’ve hit the top 10 with most of my books here and number 1 a few times. It always makes me fangirl out to see my books alongside some of my favorite authors. And it is in thanks to my consistent readers here.
I’m a full-time author doing something I love because there were platforms and innovative people behind the scenes starting out the same time I was. I am forever grateful that I found my way to being an indie author from the first step and I’ve been here ever since!
Accidentally Forever
My most recent release is set in the same contemporary world that brought me along this path. While I first published in paranormal romance and have nearly 50 books in that genre, the Montgomery Ink world is where my life changed.
Accidentally Forever is a next generation book and one of the most emotional romances I’ve ever written. Aria Montgomery is the daughter of Alex and Tabby—a fan favorite couple from Ink Exposed, a book that hit multiple lists and is still one of the Top 10 of my books according to many readers.
And while Alex and Tabby’s romance broke my heart in the best ways possible, Aria and Crew’s story is one of heartache, heat, and overcoming the internal struggles so many of us face today.
I’m truly honored to be able to write what I do and so thankful to B&N Press for reaching out to me. I know without a doubt, I would not be here today without them. I was a baby author so many years ago and B&N Press took a chance on me.
Because without the choices that took me down this long and winding path of mine, one of my favorite books I’ve ever written wouldn’t be here. And I cannot wait for you to read their story.
About Carrie Ann Ryan
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Wilder Brothers, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She’s the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over one hundred novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
Connect with Carrie Ann Ryan:
- Website http://carrieannryan.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carrieannryanauthor/ - Threads https://www.threads.net/@carrieannryanauthor
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarrieAnnRyanAuthor
- Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarrieAnnRyanFanClub
- Newsletter https://geni.us/CARNewsletter
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carrieannryan
