Name: TJ Ryan

Age: 25

State: Queensland

What is your NYWM goal?

My goal this year is to finish editing the first full draft of my novel and start submitting it to publishers.

What kind of writing do you do?

I enjoy writing fantasy and science fiction. Some spec fic. I prefer writing for children or young adults, since I still enjoy a good YA read. In my opinion, books can be exciting and romantic and scary and serious without having to be “adult” in their language or including gratuitous sex or violence.

What inspires or motivates you to write and reach your goals?

I first picked up a pen and paper and wrote  “book” when I was three years old. I’m inspired by that crazy three-year-old who wrote ‘The Adventures of Freddy the Fish and other sea creatures’. She had guts! I’m inspired by Orson Scott Card, the most psychologically interesting author I’ve ever read. Hey, I’m a little hipster – I liked him before they made the movie of ‘Ender’s Game’ (at last!). I’m also inspired by the teen girls who I mentor through my local Youth Group. They are the girls I write my novels for now.

What are you currently reading?

‘Obernewtyn’ by Isobelle Carmody – I read it in high school and loved it! Then I recently rediscovered it at the Lifeline Bookfest. So good.

Do you have a website, blog, tumblr, twitter or facebook page you want us to link to?

http://tjwithers.com/