When the world gets dark, a good story can remind us that light will ALWAYS overcome darkness...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Ryan James Black, a man who goes by all three names (respect!) and the author of the “unputdownable” book: The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham. (For real: I could NOT put this book down!) Set during the London Blitz, Nimble Nottingham blends real history with a uniquely terrifying monster… while simultaneously, and brilliantly, delivering a message of hope.

Along the way, Ryan shares some of his own story: what attracted him to storytelling, the long road to publication, and how years of revision and perseverance eventually led to his debut, award-winning novel.

We also talk about creativity in a world filled with shortcuts, why human (not hollow) stories still matter, why Middle Grade books are full of heart and hope, and what Ryan hopes readers take away from Nimble Nottingham.

Whether you’re a writer, a parent, a teacher, or someone who just loves a good story, this conversation will encourage you to keep going—and that “even the darkest of times can’t last forever.”

ABOUT RYAN JAMES BLACK:

Ryan James Black is a writer from Manitoba, Canada, where he lives with his wife, two children, and a Jumanji’s worth of pets. When not writing or reading, Ryan enjoys travelling, watching scary movies with all the lights on, and exploring the Great Outdoors with his family.

His debut middle grade historical fantasy novel, The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham, is available now from Nancy Paulsen Books.

VISIT Ryan James Black’s official website: https://ryanjamesblack.com

📚 READ The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham: https://amzn.to/4bCwZ8V

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My name is Seth Adam Smith. I’m a husband, father, and author who believes in the power of stories to inspire people forward.

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