Interview With Author Morgan Rylie
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mom, a theater nerd, and an avid reader. I currently have 10 self-published young adult titles, all centered in the social issues genre. I write about real-world challenges that teens face every day but are often afraid to talk about—topics like suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and abuse, whether from a partner or a parent. My goal as an author is to help young readers feel seen and understood, and to remind them that they are not alone in what they’re going through.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Heir of the Forgotten, the first in an adult romantasy series I’m currently working on. I started this series because I’ve always been drawn to fantasy as a reader, but I was intimidated by the idea of writing it myself for a long time. While this project is a shift from my YA work, the heart of my writing remains the same. I’m still focused on emotional depth and characters who are navigating difficult, often hidden struggles. Even in a fantasy setting, those same core themes of identity, pain, and resilience are always present.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write directly on a computer—my words come out best when I write them by hand in a notebook, usually using different colored inks. It definitely adds an extra step to my writing process, but it works for me. There’s something about physically writing the story out that helps the ideas flow more naturally before I ever move them to a screen.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is The Outsiders, especially after learning about the author’s experience publishing under a gender-neutral name in order to get the story out into the world. That really stayed with me and deepened my appreciation for both the book and its impact. I’m also a huge fan of Rebecca Yarros and the way she blends emotional depth with compelling storytelling in her work.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Heir of the Forgotten. I originally published it in October, but I realized there was still more work to be done, so I pulled it back and am now completely rewriting it. The story has taken on a very different direction this time around. Sometimes it feels like the characters develop minds of their own and pull me in ways I didn’t originally plan, which has made the process both challenging and exciting.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty old school when it comes to promotion. I mainly stick with Facebook and Goodreads. I’ve found that Facebook helps me connect directly with readers and build a community around my books, while Goodreads is great for reaching people who are already actively looking for new reads and recommendations.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice to new authors is: don’t give up. If you feel like your story needs to be told, tell it. If even one person can benefit from it, it’s worth sharing. At the same time, make sure you have realistic expectations. Publishing a book isn’t the finish line—your work doesn’t stop when you hit the publish button. Writing is only part of the journey; the rest is showing up, learning, and continuing to put your work into the world.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is that if a story is in you, it’s there for a reason—so don’t ignore it or wait for the “perfect” moment. Write it, share it, and trust that it will find the people it’s meant to reach.
What are you reading now?
Honestly, I tend to have multiple books going at once depending on the format and my mood. I usually have an audiobook for the car, a physical book for when the mood strikes, and a Kindle book for reading before bed. Right now, I’m reading A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen, Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros, and Restless Stars by the Twisted Sisters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is hopefully finishing Heir of the Forgotten. Since I’ve been rewriting it, my focus is on getting this new version right and fully aligned with the direction the story has taken. After that, I’m excited to continue building out the series and see where these characters lead me next.
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?
I’d bring The Outsiders and Fourth Wing. The Outsiders is a lifelong favorite of mine, and Fourth Wing is one I really admire for its storytelling and emotional intensity. I’d also bring a blank notebook, so I could keep writing my own stories—even while I’m stuck on an island.
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