Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Ryan.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a child, I fell in love with reading. In elementary school, I devoured the assigned texts so quickly that my teacher finally admitted she had nothing left for me. That’s when my mom handed me my first chapter book—Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary—and I was hooked. I’ve been a voracious reader ever since.
Before long, I had a book in one hand and a pen in the other, dreaming of writing my own stories someday. Even then, I sensed a deeper purpose: if God ever allowed me to put my words into the world, I wanted them to point others to Him. For years, I assumed that calling would take shape through fiction. To my surprise—and delight—I eventually discovered that God was leading me into nonfiction, where my words could encourage, equip, and walk alongside others in their faith.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In hindsight, my first book contract came fairly easily. I published my first book in 2006, Who Has Your Heart? The Single Woman’s Pursuit of Godliness, inspired by the story of Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11. But it released just one month after our first child was born, so instead of stepping fully into life as a published author, I stepped wholeheartedly into motherhood. Four children and no regrets later, I eventually found my way back to writing.
Years later, I landed my dream job writing for a nonprofit ministry. It felt like a full-circle moment — until the founder made the decision to shut down the ministry one month before we were set to publish a Bible study I’d written. I went from pre-published to unemployed in a single afternoon. Needing work, I reluctantly began teaching junior high English, something I had once sworn I would never do.
Around that same time, on a whim, I submitted part of my unpublished Bible study to a writers’ conference and won a free ticket to one of the premier Christian writers’ conferences in the country. When I packed my bags for California, I was convinced God was giving me the chance to officially say goodbye to my writing dreams for good. And surprisingly, I had complete peace about it.
Instead, I experienced the ultimate plot twist. At that conference, I met and signed with an incredible literary agent, something only God could have orchestrated. What I thought was the end of my story as a writer was really just the beginning of a new chapter.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a minister’s wife and a public school teacher, which means I live at the intersection of two very different worlds. The common ground between them, and the place where my work is rooted, is the love and grace of Jesus. Writing from that space has shaped everything I do.
I specialize in helping women engage with Scripture in ways that are honest, grace-filled, and deeply practical. Much of my writing, including my most recent book Guilt-Free Quiet Times, is for women who love God but feel stretched thin or quietly convinced they’re “doing it wrong.” My core message is that spiritual growth is fueled more by grace than guilt.
I’m also a regular contributor to Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus, and my stories reflect a person who is still very much a work in process. I’m shaped by classrooms and church life, motherhood and ministry, so my biblical perspective is paired with compassion, humility, and practical application women can actually use on a Monday morning.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
One of my favorite side quests is encouraging women in person at women’s events, retreats, or church gatherings. I also enjoy joining podcasts or other collaborations. While I balance my writing and speaking ministry with a full teaching schedule, I do check email regularly and am always glad to hear from readers and ministry leaders. Reaching out by email or through my website is the best way to start the conversation.
Pricing:
- Guilt-Free Quiet Times: 7 Myths about Your Devotional Time with God: $14.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilyeryan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeremilyryan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyeryan.writer
