In this episode, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the life and career of Aaron Ryan, an award-winning bestselling author known for his sci-fi sagas and business guides on self-publishing.
Aaron Ryan’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion.
Early Life and Career Shifts
Aaron Ryan, who resides in Washington with his wife, two sons, and a menagerie of pets, began his career in a rather unconventional manner.
Before becoming a full-time author, Aaron juggled multiple jobs, including administrative, dispatcher, and executive assistant roles.
However, his dual career as a voice-over artist and novelist set the stage for his success.
In 2007, a pivotal moment occurred when Aaron’s mistrustful boss accused him of sabotaging the company.
This incident led Aaron to vow never to work for someone else again.
Fueled by a desire to create his path, Aaron ventured into graphic design and multimedia, eventually forming Istari Media, a company named after the wizards from Lord of the Rings.
The Birth of Istari Media
Ignoring conventional advice to secure another job before quitting, Aaron immediately started Istari Media.
Driven by the need to replace his previous job situation, he reached out to friends and family and posted ads on Craigslist.
With a small portfolio from previous work, Aaron quickly landed clients, emphasizing the urgency and drive to create his income.
Transition to Voice-Over and Writing
Aaron Ryan’s journey into voice-over work was serendipitous.
While working as a telemarketer, he stumbled upon the world of voice-over, eventually becoming the voice of United Healthcare commercials.
His voice-over work spans various subgenres, primarily focusing on commercial and e-learning projects.
Balancing his voice-over career with his passion for writing, Aaron Ryan authored several influential books, including the sci-fi saga “Dissonance,” the sci-fi thriller “Forecast,” and business guides on self-publishing.
Writing stories in his spare time, Aaron’s compulsion to create was driven by a desire to provide for his family and leave a lasting legacy.
The Creative Process and Family Life
Aaron Ryan’s creative process is a blend of spontaneity and planning.
Describing himself as a “pantser*,” he often writes without a detailed plan, allowing the story to unfold naturally.
This approach led to the creation of the “Dissonance” series, a six-book sci-fi alien invasion saga that explores the human condition against a dystopian backdrop.
Balancing his creative pursuits with family life, Aaron credits his wife and children for their unwavering support.
His wife, in particular, has been a source of inspiration, incorporating her traits into his books’ characters.
Despite the challenges of balancing business growth and raising children, Aaron emphasizes gratitude and the importance of creating a harmonious home environment.
*A pantser is a writer who prefers to write without a detailed plan and instead “flies by the seat of their pants”. The term “pantsing” is a writing method often used to describe novelists and is the opposite of plotting, where a writer uses an outline to plan their story.
Engaging with Readers and Building a Legacy
Aaron Ryan’s connection with his readers is both natural and organic.
He hosts release parties, participates in craft fairs, and engages with readers through his blog and Facebook group.
This engagement provides Aaron with valuable feedback and a sense of fulfilment, reinforcing his belief in creating passion rather than commercial success.
Aaron’s mantra, “Someone’s endorsement of you, or lack thereof, has very little to do with your trajectory,” encapsulates his approach to creativity and business.
He advises aspiring authors to be unique, offer original content, and focus on their passion.
Looking Ahead
With his book “Reality” being adapted for the screen and pitched to streaming networks, Aaron is on the cusp of achieving a long-held dream.
His journey from a voice-over artist to a bestselling author is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion.
Those interested in exploring Aaron Ryan’s works can find more information on his websites, authoraerynryan.com and dissidentstheseries.com.
Aaron’s story is a powerful reminder that one can carve out a unique and fulfilling career path with determination and creativity.