Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 24 years old and live in Wanganui, New Zealand. When I am not writing, I am either marketing my books, reading or causing havoc with my friends.
I love writing in the horror and crime genres, but enjoy reading anything from Stephen King to Sophie Kinsella; Agatha Christie and Jodi Picoult. If I were to name all of my favourite authors, we would be here for a very long time.
I love cats, coffee and chocolate. I love Green Day – they are my favourite band of all time. While I am writing this, I am listening to Dua Lipa, so my musical taste is quite diverse. I also have a semi-addiction to Instagram (@annaryanbooks, if you’re also semi-addicted to Insta). I find myself scrolling and scrolling, looking at pictures when I should be sleeping or working.
Anyway, as you can see, I got off on tangents quite often.
I also love pies. If you come from NZ, you will understand!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book I have written is called “Amelia” and it’s the first novel in The Sly and Hokey Detective Series.
The inspiration for the book stems from me wanting to get inside the head of a person that would want to kidnap a teenager (you’ll have to read the book to find out more). Also, there influence from the great, Agatha Christie.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can only write effectively when I am listening to Green Day (21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot, Revolution Radio, Bullet in a Bible, and International Superhits are my go-to’s). On occasion, I will also listen to Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Tom Petty (and a few more) just to change it up a bit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Shirley Jackson, Jodi Picoult, JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins.
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing the second book in The Sly and Hokey Detective Series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is currently under construction, but I would say Facebook, Amazon and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and promoting your books. The only authors that succeed are the ones that work hard and never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my friends said to me (we have the tall-poppy syndrome in NZ where we don’t really like to say that we are great at something): ‘Why can’t there be one thing in this world that you can say that you’re great at, and be confident and proud saying it?’
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Duma Key by Stephen King. (I’ve almost finished it, though).
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get my website finished and up and running; and to keep writing and promoting my books.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Girl, Interrupted
Duma Key
And Then There Were None
My Not So Perfect Life
Author Websites and Profiles
Anna Ryan Amazon Profile
Anna Ryan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account