From Classroom Stories to International Success: My Writing Journey

By Renee Ryan

Who knew that making entertaining classroom content would launch a career in writing fiction?

As a high school teacher juggling Economics, American Government, and Latin, I faced a daily challenge: keeping teenagers awake through subjects that weren’t exactly on their “most thrilling” list. My secret weapon? Stories. Instead of droning on about supply and demand, flow charts, money and banking, or the intricacies of America’s governmental checks and balances, I wove narratives that brought these subjects to life. Little did I know, I wasn’t just teaching – I was discovering my true calling as a storyteller.

But discovering a passion for storytelling and mastering the craft of writing, it turns out, are two very different beasts. My journey to publication became a masterclass in perseverance, marked by a lot of almosts and maybes and far too many thanks-but-no-thanks, culminating in 187 rejections. Each “no” taught me something valuable: I needed to learn the mechanics of fiction writing. Never one to accept defeat, I dove deep into the craft of writing, studying plot structure, character development, key turning points, and the subtle art of subtext.

The breakthrough came in the most dramatic way possible. I won an international writing contest hosted by a popular writing magazine. The prize wasn’t just publication – it was a moment I’ll never forget. Standing before thousands of conference attendees, I watched as the publisher unveiled my book’s cover. My name, my words, my story had finally made their way into the world. A magazine feature followed, and I thought I was on the path to a successful, prolific career.

Reality, however, had other plans. Seven years stretched between my first and second published books. But those weren’t lost years – they were transformative. I discovered my inner history nerd and found a voice for historical romance. More importantly, I formed friendships with fellow aspiring writers who became my lifelong companions on this journey.

Harlequin’s purchase of my second book opened a new chapter. One historical romance led to another, and another, as I built a relationship with one of publishing’s most iconic names. I experimented with contemporary romance but discovered my heart truly belonged to the past. This led to a four-book contract with Amazon’s Waterfall Press, where I delved into the glittering world of the Gilded Age.

I accomplished all this while raising two kids and herding what seemed like an ever-growing pack of wily cats. Life was full, challenging, and wonderfully chaotic. My dream was not over, just put on hold.

Then came another pivot – from romance to World War II historical fiction. “The Widows of Champagne” marked this transition, becoming a Christie Award finalist and opening yet another door in my writing career. Three more bestselling WWII novels followed, including my latest, “The Last Fashion House in Paris.”

Looking back, I realize every rejection, every genre shift, every quiet year of writing while the kids were at school – it all contributed to who I am as a writer today. The journey from crafting entertaining classroom material to writing award-winning historical fiction wasn’t a straight line. It was a winding path filled with unexpected turns, delightful discoveries, and the kind of rich, layered story that, fittingly enough, would make a pretty good novel itself.

The lesson? Sometimes the best stories aren’t just the ones we write – they’re the ones we live while getting there.

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Renee Ryan is a bestselling, award-winning author of over 30 novels, including her most recent release, The Last Fashion House in Paris.

An avid reader, trained ballet dancer, and chocolate enthusiast, Renee grew up in a small Florida beach town. After far too many failed attempts at surfing, she left home to attend Florida State University. During her senior year, she was elected president of her sorority. After graduating with degrees in Economics, Religious Studies and Latin, Renee worked at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, then took a job molding young minds on the high school level. After marrying the love of her life, raising two wonderful kids, and indulging several spoiled cats, she left teaching to pursue her dream of writing full time. 

For additional information about Renee, check out www.reneeryan.com. She can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads.

THE LAST FASHION HOUSE IN PARIS

In the heart of occupied WWII Paris, an elegant fashion house is the unlikely headquarters of a daring resistance network. Behind closed doors, courageous women vie to save loved ones and strangers alike from the Nazis in this powerful story of survival, friendship and second chances.

France, 1942

Once, Paulette Leblanc spent her days flirting, shopping and drawing elegant dresses in her sketch pad. Then German tanks rolled into France, and a reckless romance turned into deep betrayal. Blaming herself for her mother’s arrest by the Gestapo, Paulette is sent away to begin a new life in Paris, working as apprentice to fashion designer Sabine Ballard.

But Maison de Ballard is no ordinary fashion house. While seamstresses create the perfect couture gowns, clandestine deals and secrets take place out of sight. Mademoiselle Ballard is head of a vast network of resistance fighters—including Paulette’s coworker and friend Nicolle Cadieux—who help escort downed military men and Jewish families to safety.

Soon Paulette is recruited as a spy. Working as a seamstress by day, gathering information at glamorous parties by night, Paulette at last has a chance to earn the redemption she craves. But as the SS closes in, and Nicolle goes missing, Paulette must make life-and-death decisions about who to trust, who to love and who to leave behind…

BUY HERE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing