Blog Archives
Keep Pushing Forward
In My Journey as an Author, you share your experiences navigating the many obstacles on your way to becoming a published author. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It started out as a way to track my accomplishments. To be able to go back and review where I started to where I ended up. My own positive reinforcement to keep pushing forward even when self-doubt whispered, I didn’t have what it takes. Writing is also therapeutic. It allows me to voice my inner voice. I had a lot of material to work with and one day it struck me, why not just write a memoir? The most important aspect of my memoir was being able to voice my thought process into crafting each of my fiction novels in The Dark series.
I appreciated your willingness to share the low points you endured. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing I wrote about was my personal life. I’m generally a private person and don’t like to go into too much personal detail, but it was necessary to add because it was very much a part of my writing journey that layers did get incorporated into my fiction stories.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had been given at the outset of your journey to becoming published?
I wish I had been more aware of how reviews work in the publishing world, and how others profit off of reviews using it to their benefit for financial gain in order to “sell” more books. It’s appalling. Reviews can either make you or break you. If someone has a vendetta against an author or a business, no matter how big or small that business is, they can write a bad review as a way of manipulation.
What do you hope readers are able to take away from your experiences?
I hope readers take away that, if you have a dream, no matter what dream that is big or small, never give up on it. Push through the self-doubt. Push through all the voices telling you that you can’t do something. Dare to bend the rules. Dare to be the original you.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
This book provides insight into everything authors will need to know about publishing, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My Journey as an Author
My Journey as an Author, by M.C. Ryder, offers readers an honest glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of becoming a published author. Through her memoir, Ryder shares her experiences navigating the complex world of publishing, from book signings to being burned by publishers, paying for reviews on Instagram, and enduring the long, anxious wait for responses to inquiries. Her candid recounting resonates with aspiring writers, highlighting the perseverance required to overcome the highs and lows of the journey. The advice and anecdotes provide a mix of encouragement and caution, making this memoir relatable for anyone familiar with the writing process.
A central theme of the book is the exploration of success; what does it truly mean for an author? Is it measured by book sales, the ability to inspire others, or gaining recognition on platforms like BookTok? Ryder pushes readers to reflect on their own definitions of success, posing a question that many in the writing community can appreciate. I appreciated how Ryder talks about failures and rejections but always circles back to perseverance. That’s where the memoir shines most, its message of resilience feels personal and genuine. Ryder also has strong opinions about originality, something that resonates with aspiring writers. Ryder shares lessons from attending conferences, emphasizing how critical it is for writers to “dare to be unique” rather than regurgitate trends. That hit home for me because so much of today’s writing landscape feels overrun with recycled ideas. The author’s advice to question a story’s purpose and character motives adds a fresh, practical perspective that would benefit any writer looking to improve their craft.
In the end, My Journey as an Author isn’t just for writers—though aspiring authors will undoubtedly find Ryder’s advice and transparency encouraging. It’s also for dreamers, creatives, or anyone navigating a tough road while holding onto their goals. If you’re looking for a book that feels motivating and human without trying too hard, I’d recommend this one. You’ll walk away feeling like you just found a friend who gets it.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0DJ68163G
Honoring My Best Friend
Infinity Tales follows a seemingly ordinary cat who, after a series of mysterious events, ends up on a journey to help alleviate sadness in humans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
What inspired Leo in The Dark series and inspired me to write his stand-alone story was my real-life cat Tiggie. Tiggie came into my life during an uncertain time and helped me through it by just being there. He also had a rough life. He was more to me than just a pet, he was my best friend. When I had to make the difficult decision to ease his pain and let him cross the rainbow bridge, it hit me hard. The best way I could honor him was to write parts of his personality into Leo. Not only did I want to honor Tiggie, but I also wanted to honor all felines as I’ve been around cats my whole life. It was difficult to write, but I’m glad I didn’t give up.
In fantasy novels it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Although Leo becomes supernatural that helps drive the story-line, my focus remained on the fact that he’s a cat and thinks differently than humans, even if he has some human qualities. Even though he may not be a normal cat, he still stays true to his self, taking the time to learn and understand the world around him along with his purpose.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The most important personification of Leo was to think like a cat. To write the story through a feline’s perspective. Cats are often misunderstood for their independent personalities and odd behaviors. My hope is readers are able to view cats through a different lens and be able to understand them a little better as they all have unique personalities just like us humans.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on editing the last book in The Dark series as well as a memoir of my journey as an author. I’m hoping they will be both available by the end of 2024 if not then early 2025.
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What if?
The Darkened Enchantment follows the daughter of a vampire and werewolf hiding her home life while working as a firefighter who meets a shy high school gardener when their worlds collide when faced with tragedy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I first started writing The Dark series, I only had three stories in mind. At the end of All I See Are Dark Clouds, I introduced a new character and asked the age-old question, what if? From there, The Darkened Enchantment took off where basically I throw everything in it from the prior books and make it chaotic.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor to get right was the two different personalities of my main characters Lily and Cleo. They come from different backgrounds and upbringings, even if the story is a bit futuristic. While one is confident, the other is shy. One is fearless, while the other is fearful. When times become uncertain, they lean on each other for support while also teaching valuable lessons.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Lily, one of the main characters, was the inspiration to continue The Dark series and explored new terrain where she lives in a fantasy world that’s normal for her, but it’s also difficult as she has to keep it separated from reality, as the stakes are high if the worlds clash. Her fearlessness and bold attitude gives her the confidence to begin a career in firefighting, but when her world gets turned upside-down she is forced to question everything. Enter Cleo. Polar opposite of Lily. Switching back between the two in third-person narrative was difficult, especially when many characters from prior books were also included in
the story. What I had to focus on was, it was Lily and Cleo’s story.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I ended The Darkened Enchantment in a way that the series should have been done, however there was one character who still had a story to be told. The next book, which is the final book in The Dark series, is
different, but has a full circle moment in what The Dark series encompasses. Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website | Amazon
Cleo Hedera lives a quiet life keeping her head down. She’s eager to make it through high school and go to a place where she can meet people with the same interest as her. Her part-time job at the local feed and garden center is where she is the happiest. Plants don’t judge or make fun like people do. She embraces the few people who accept her for who she is.
Lily and Cleo live in two different worlds until tragedy strikes, forcing their worlds to collide. When the ground becomes shaky and they only have each other to lean on, will they be able to rise above the chaos that ensues?
Infinity Tales
Infinity Tales, by M.C. Ryder, offers a captivating and unique narrative, presenting the world through the eyes of Leo, a seemingly ordinary cat. Leo spends his days in leisurely pursuits, primarily focused on food and his human companion. However, his tranquil life is upended by a series of mysterious events, thrusting him into a journey filled with love, loss, and adventure. Leo must transcend his ordinary existence to protect those he cares about, becoming far more than just a regular cat.
M.C. Ryder skillfully portrays human experiences and struggles from Leo’s feline perspective, creating a constantly evolving story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Leo’s viewpoint is a bold and intriguing choice for narration, providing a fresh angle on The Dark Series. His limited understanding of human complexities enrich the narrative with a distinctive and engaging charm. The thematic exploration of love, loss, and family is beautifully woven throughout the tale, making it a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Ryder’s ability to breathe new life into a familiar story through an unconventional narrator is commendable. Leo’s feline perspective and his perception of the world add a fascinating layer to the storytelling.
Infinity Tales is a delightful read for fans of The Dark Series, fantasy enthusiasts, and cat lovers alike. M.C. Ryder’s innovative approach and willingness to think outside the box result in a truly memorable story. This novel not only captivates but also challenges readers to see the world from a different angle. I eagerly anticipate more works from authors like Ryder, who dare to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0D1J2BVMT
The Darkened Enchantment
Lily Epler leads a thrilling double life, seamlessly balancing her heroic duties as a firefighter with the unique challenges of her home life, where vampires and weredogs roam the family farm. Her loyalty to her family is unwavering, compelling her to keep these worlds distinctly separate. In stark contrast, Cleo Hedera navigates high school with quiet determination, finding peace among plants at her part-time job. Their contrasting lives collide unexpectedly in the face of adversity, pushing them to draw strength from each other amidst the chaos. Will their newfound connection endure the turbulent forces threatening to unravel their worlds?
In The Darkened Enchantment, M.C. Ryder weaves a tapestry of enchanting imagery and profound emotions. Ryder’s literary mastery vividly brings to life a fictional world filled with beauty and mystery. Through intricate physical descriptions and sensory experiences, readers are not mere spectators but active participants in the characters’ journeys. The narrative skillfully intertwines family dynamics, loyalty, and secrets with the fantastical, blurring the lines between reality and myth. The characters transcend the pages, becoming living, breathing entities with depths as profound as the ocean. Their interactions, particularly within the family realm, offer readers intimate glimpses into their souls—their fears, desires, and the intricate tapestry of relationships that bind them.
Authentic dialogue adds a personal touch to the narrative, enhancing its fantastical elements. The book’s pacing and structure are crafted with precision, blending introspection and action in a harmonious symphony. Quiet moments of contemplation seamlessly merge with lively interactions, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Themes of love, loss, identity, and kinship weave through the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate long after the final page is turned.
The story hints at a larger, intricately woven tapestry of mythology and intrigue, with vampires, werewolves, and a sanctuary farm suggesting a world teeming with possibilities. Ryder’s deft foreshadowing adds layers of mystery and anticipation, inviting readers to unravel the secrets hidden within the story’s depths.
The Darkened Enchantment expertly blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling, crafting an immersive experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter. Ryder’s ability to create a richly imagined world populated by multifaceted characters makes this book a standout. Fans of immersive fantasy worlds intertwined with supernatural elements will find this book a must-read, eagerly anticipating future journeys into the enchanting realms Ryder has so skillfully crafted.
Pages: 361| ASIN : B0D4WRHRXS
Light Outside of the Darkness
The Neighbors follows a maternity nurse working nights who, after being disturbed by her new neighbors, asks them to keep it down and finds herself drawn to them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Zoe, a maternity nurse, was a side character in All I See Are Dark Clouds that I thought was appropriate to give her her own story. I worked alongside some nurses who were just kindhearted and passionate with the work they do so The Neighbors was a way for me to give back to them and other nurses I met along the way. Although I don’t personally know a maternity nurse, I tried my best to capture a day to day life and the type of personality nurses generally have with a little fantasy twist.
What are some things that you find interesting about vampires that you think make for great fiction?
The vampires I write about are just lost souls that are trying to find their light outside of the darkness. Symbolic and a representation of the dark side of humankind.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
When I started writing The Neighbors, it started out as a way for me to take a strong female character to the next level in the second-person narrative. It was vital Zoe was a maternity nurse since she was a side character that tied-in with All I See Are Dark Clouds. I let Zoe take the lead and incorporated stigmas that an actual maternity nurse may go through, like people assuming they get to play with babies all day. Little did I know the depth of her character and why she pursued a career as a maternity nurse to begin with until it all became full circle.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next two books in The Dark series, The Darkened Enchantment and Infinity Tales (A Dark short tie-in) can be anticipated sometime in 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website | Amazon
How to Stand Up to Bullying
Bullying manifests in a multitude of ways, extending beyond the stereotypical playground tyrant hurling insults. In “How to Stand Up to Bullying,” author M.C. Ryder goes beyond merely defining the term. Ryder explores the various manifestations of bullying and attempts to unravel the origin stories of bullies. It’s an exploration grounded in empathy and understanding, seeking not only to define but to comprehend the underlying motivations of bullying.
The essence of this book is not merely to provide insight into bullies but to serve as a comprehensive guide for victims of bullying. It offers a roadmap to navigate those perilous situations when one finds oneself targeted. The crux of Ryder’s argument is that your response to bullying, whatever it may be, is pivotal in determining whether the aggression escalates, continues, or ceases altogether.
“How to Stand Up to Bullying” is marked by its simplicity and direct approach. With a first-person narrative that adds a personal touch, the author establishes a deep connection with readers, further strengthened by the integration of personal stories. Bullying, a subject particularly relevant in today’s society, given its connection to tragic incidents in schools, demands a delicate and considered approach. Ryder succeeds in this regard, offering a thought-provoking conversation starter that explores not only the formation of a bully but the means to guide them onto a more compassionate path.
Despite its brevity, this book is far from superficial. It can be absorbed in a single hour, but its concise chapters deliver substantial impact. There are two key takeaways: first, that bullying is not innate but learned behavior; and second, bullies seek visibility and recognition. These insights are presented with clarity and resonate deeply.
The universal relevance of “How to Stand Up to Bullying” is one of its great strengths. It’s not aimed at a specific demographic because bullying permeates all facets of life, from schools to workplaces and even religious institutions. Ryder accentuates that the stakes increase with age; where a school altercation may lead to the principal’s office, a similar conflict in adulthood may result in legal trouble. Therefore, the book serves as an essential guide for anyone wishing to defuse a bullying situation before it escalates.
Parents may find particular value in this book, as childhood often sows the seeds of bullying. By understanding the pain underlying these behaviors, parents can equip their children to stand up to bullies and ensure they don’t tread that path themselves.
“How to Stand Up to Bullying” by M.C. Ryder is a compelling read that addresses a timely and sensitive issue with care, insight, and practical wisdom. It offers readers not only an understanding of bullies but tools to confront and redirect these behaviors. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or simply someone looking to understand this complex issue better, this book holds valuable lessons for all.
Pages: 63 | ASIN: B0CB4YZFCF
LITERARY TITAN 