Ryan's Origin Story

How It All Began (And Why I Never Stopped)

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how I ended up doing school visits—or maybe you’re just curious about the twists and turns that brought me here. Either way, I’m so glad you stopped by. Because this isn’t just about what I do—it’s about why I do it.

And to understand that, we have to go back to where it all started...

The Early Spark: Imagination Was My Superpower

I wasn’t the kid with trophies on the shelf or ribbons pinned to the wall. I was the kid with crayons.

While my older siblings were off doing their thing, I was building entire worlds in my head. Comics, monster movies, superheroes, fantasy...I soaked up anything that sparked my imagination. But I didn’t just watch stories. I wanted to make them.

I was inspired by the shows and books I loved: the Smurfs, Mr. Men & Little Miss, Busytown...I’d draw characters, fold paper into books, and create mini comic strips. My little hands were always busy, and my mind was always full. 

Then came the moment that changed everything for the first time.

It was first grade, and our teacher told us we were going to make our very own books for Young Authors Week. I was instantly obsessed.

I still remember the "revision process', and spending time in the school media center drawing the illustrations on mailing labels that would be affixed to a TYPED version of my hand printed story. That wasn’t just an assignment for me...it was a spark.

Seeing my name on a cover, even if it was just made of wallpaper-wrapped chipboard, made me feel seen in a way I hadn’t before. It gave me a glimpse of who I could become.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs.

Right around the time I turned 10, my parents got divorced. Everything around me felt like it was shifting. But one thing didn’t: my passion for creating.

In fact, they became even more important.

The worlds I created made sense when real life didn’t. The characters I drew was stability. And the act of creating gave me a kind of power and peace I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Looking back, I realize what I was doing:

• I was turning emotions into art.
• I was turning chaos into creativity.
• I was turning 'I don’t know how to talk about this' into 'let me show you'.
  
  That’s why I’m so passionate about visiting schools today...to show students that creativity can be their superpower, too.
  

College Crossroads: Choosing a Creative Life

Fast forward to college. I started off trying to follow the “safe” path. Something practical, something that looked good on paper. I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do.

But the whole time, I felt like I was wearing someone else’s clothes.

I remember sitting in a big lecture hall one day, listening to a professor talk about something I didn’t care about, and thinking: Why am I even here?

That’s when it hit me.

I didn’t want to chase someone else’s version of success. I didn’t want to do what looked good. I wanted to do what felt real.

So I pivoted. I chose the creative path, even though it was uncertain. Even though people told me it wasn’t practical.

And honestly? That decision changed everything for the second time.

Because every time I’ve leaned into that creative voice inside me, the one that showed up back in first grade, it’s led me exactly where I needed to be.

My first semester of college, I found a box of artwork and books my mom had saved for me. Core memories unlocked. My mission is to keep this unlocked for students as they grow into their adult years.

The Pivot Years: When Things Fell Apart (and Fell Into Place)

Skip ahead to my mid 20s. I joined a band, a dream I’d had since I was a kid. I even taught myself to play the organ. I got up on stage. I was in it. It was amazing.

Then, after our biggest show, as the opening act for a prominent indie rock group, my band told me they were going in a different direction without me.

I was devastated. Like, a wreck.

But a few weeks later, I watched a film that was out at the time - School of Rock, and it hit me hard. Premise: An unfocused guy gets kicked out of his band and ends up creating something bigger, better, more meaningful.

That movie helped me reframe my world.

Because around that same time, my first book got published. A dear friend said to me, "Ryan, being in a band is cool, but I'm even more proud of you for publishing a real book." That heartbreak from losing the band? It turned into redirection.

I realized I was never meant to chase someone else’s spotlight.

I was meant to shine my own.

My book Little Steps was designed to let kids know that obstacles come our ways, but we get thru life's hurdles one little step at a time.

The Full Circle: Why I Still Do School Visits

Today, I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of students. I’ve published books, received industry awards, given keynotes, and stood on really big stages. I have met my heroes, some of the biggest names in kid-lit from my childhood that have become my mentors and friends. Its still absolutely surreal to me!

But the moments that mean the most? They’re the ones where a kid looks at m with that spark in their eyes, after showing them what I do, like, 'Wait… I could do this too?'

That’s why I still do school visits.

Because I know first-hand what it feels like to be the kid in the back of the room, lost in your own world of ideas. To feel like your thoughts don’t matter. To be quietly dreaming something big and wondering if anyone sees you.

I see that kid—because I was that kid.

When I visit schools, I don’t just bring my books. I bring my whole story, (well, the parts of the story relatable to elementary kids!). I bring proof that creativity can change your life. I bring a message that you don’t need permission to start...you just need a spark.

And one little step.

Ready to Inspire Your Students with Ryan?