Jennifer The Writer
@jrjryan.bsky.social
Teacher by day, writer by night, ADHD all the time.
WIP based on Irish mythological creatures is currently 58k words, and is tentatively titled Máiréad, The Selkie Queen.
I also write short stories.
WIP based on Irish mythological creatures is currently 58k words, and is tentatively titled Máiréad, The Selkie Queen.
I also write short stories.
Poetry Challenge- month 11
I got the word ‘shattered’ and couldn’t stop writing. This poem clawed its way out from under my skin like it had to escape.
I got the word ‘shattered’ and couldn’t stop writing. This poem clawed its way out from under my skin like it had to escape.
November 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Poetry Challenge- month 11
I got the word ‘shattered’ and couldn’t stop writing. This poem clawed its way out from under my skin like it had to escape.
I got the word ‘shattered’ and couldn’t stop writing. This poem clawed its way out from under my skin like it had to escape.
Some people look at the ocean before a Nor’easter, see storm clouds on the horizon, and think there is something ominous approaching.
October 12, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Some people look at the ocean before a Nor’easter, see storm clouds on the horizon, and think there is something ominous approaching.
What would you do if a past you didn’t even know existed suddenly came to light and you were instantly living an entirely different life?
Welcome to Máiréad’s world.
Come join me on Patreon to learn more
#MáiréadTheSelkieQueen #selkiemythology #IrishMythology
www.patreon.com/posts/138344...
Welcome to Máiréad’s world.
Come join me on Patreon to learn more
#MáiréadTheSelkieQueen #selkiemythology #IrishMythology
www.patreon.com/posts/138344...
September 7, 2025 at 3:40 PM
What would you do if a past you didn’t even know existed suddenly came to light and you were instantly living an entirely different life?
Welcome to Máiréad’s world.
Come join me on Patreon to learn more
#MáiréadTheSelkieQueen #selkiemythology #IrishMythology
www.patreon.com/posts/138344...
Welcome to Máiréad’s world.
Come join me on Patreon to learn more
#MáiréadTheSelkieQueen #selkiemythology #IrishMythology
www.patreon.com/posts/138344...
Ever just sit in the car and breathe? I’m sitting here, listening to the rain and some peaceful music.
My grandmother is 104 and she is not doing well. I’m about to go in and see her and I want to tell her something good.
My grandmother is 104 and she is not doing well. I’m about to go in and see her and I want to tell her something good.
August 29, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Ever just sit in the car and breathe? I’m sitting here, listening to the rain and some peaceful music.
My grandmother is 104 and she is not doing well. I’m about to go in and see her and I want to tell her something good.
My grandmother is 104 and she is not doing well. I’m about to go in and see her and I want to tell her something good.
This is what the first day of my 28th year of teaching looked like.
And then I realized it was already humid before 6am and decided I was just going to put my hair up and start the way I meant to go on.
And then I realized it was already humid before 6am and decided I was just going to put my hair up and start the way I meant to go on.
August 26, 2025 at 1:39 AM
This is what the first day of my 28th year of teaching looked like.
And then I realized it was already humid before 6am and decided I was just going to put my hair up and start the way I meant to go on.
And then I realized it was already humid before 6am and decided I was just going to put my hair up and start the way I meant to go on.
I am working on a poem (the deadline is a week away so I’m absolutely still editing/rewriting) and this is where it stands at the moment. I’m always changing imagery, making different word choices, realizing I’ve left things out that clarify what I mean, etc.
But it has just occurred to me…
But it has just occurred to me…
August 12, 2025 at 11:19 AM
I am working on a poem (the deadline is a week away so I’m absolutely still editing/rewriting) and this is where it stands at the moment. I’m always changing imagery, making different word choices, realizing I’ve left things out that clarify what I mean, etc.
But it has just occurred to me…
But it has just occurred to me…
Took myself to lunch today. Sat in the window, people watched and found myself relaxing and enjoying my pizza. Sometimes I push so hard I forget to stop and breathe.
Here’s to self care and the people we become when we rest. #writerslife #teacherlife #WritingCommunity #endofsummer #Storytelling
Here’s to self care and the people we become when we rest. #writerslife #teacherlife #WritingCommunity #endofsummer #Storytelling
August 4, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Took myself to lunch today. Sat in the window, people watched and found myself relaxing and enjoying my pizza. Sometimes I push so hard I forget to stop and breathe.
Here’s to self care and the people we become when we rest. #writerslife #teacherlife #WritingCommunity #endofsummer #Storytelling
Here’s to self care and the people we become when we rest. #writerslife #teacherlife #WritingCommunity #endofsummer #Storytelling
As July ends I'm realizing how many cultural expressions have been popping up in my writing and also how a saying can lead to reflections on the plot, the one in my story and also the one in my life. ;)
www.patreon.com/posts/irish-...
www.patreon.com/posts/irish-...
Irish sayings and timely life lessons | Jennifer RJ Ryan
Get more from Jennifer RJ Ryan on Patreon
www.patreon.com
August 1, 2025 at 12:13 AM
As July ends I'm realizing how many cultural expressions have been popping up in my writing and also how a saying can lead to reflections on the plot, the one in my story and also the one in my life. ;)
www.patreon.com/posts/irish-...
www.patreon.com/posts/irish-...
Sunday vibe:
Luz picked my project and then off I went to meet the new art group I joined…full of complete strangers 😱
Sometimes creativity requires courage to step outside your comfort zone. Here's to new experiences and messy (quasi) masterpieces #SundayArt #CreativeReset
Luz picked my project and then off I went to meet the new art group I joined…full of complete strangers 😱
Sometimes creativity requires courage to step outside your comfort zone. Here's to new experiences and messy (quasi) masterpieces #SundayArt #CreativeReset
July 20, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Sunday vibe:
Luz picked my project and then off I went to meet the new art group I joined…full of complete strangers 😱
Sometimes creativity requires courage to step outside your comfort zone. Here's to new experiences and messy (quasi) masterpieces #SundayArt #CreativeReset
Luz picked my project and then off I went to meet the new art group I joined…full of complete strangers 😱
Sometimes creativity requires courage to step outside your comfort zone. Here's to new experiences and messy (quasi) masterpieces #SundayArt #CreativeReset
Some Tuesday ‘Teaching’ (sort of) Insights 📚
Spent today in professional development, and it got me thinking. Learning to be a better teacher is part of being a teacher, just like learning to be a better writer is part of being an author.
Spent today in professional development, and it got me thinking. Learning to be a better teacher is part of being a teacher, just like learning to be a better writer is part of being an author.
July 16, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Some Tuesday ‘Teaching’ (sort of) Insights 📚
Spent today in professional development, and it got me thinking. Learning to be a better teacher is part of being a teacher, just like learning to be a better writer is part of being an author.
Spent today in professional development, and it got me thinking. Learning to be a better teacher is part of being a teacher, just like learning to be a better writer is part of being an author.
Working on a scene where Máiréad meets Connor, part of the royal guard. Sometimes ideas come when you just sit down and do it, even when inspiration is elusive. What's your writing goal this week? ✍️ #WritingProgress #MondayMotivation #Storytelling #MáiréadTheSelkieQueen
July 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Working on a scene where Máiréad meets Connor, part of the royal guard. Sometimes ideas come when you just sit down and do it, even when inspiration is elusive. What's your writing goal this week? ✍️ #WritingProgress #MondayMotivation #Storytelling #MáiréadTheSelkieQueen
So this is my friend’s book. They have put all of themself into this. Even if you’re not a kickstarter person could you do me a favor and share it? Thanks! ❤️
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book by Maria Esteva on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book by Maria Esteva on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book
A magical children’s book and journal to help kids breathe, reconnect, and remember—through story, the birth song of life and creation
www.kickstarter.com
July 14, 2025 at 1:57 AM
So this is my friend’s book. They have put all of themself into this. Even if you’re not a kickstarter person could you do me a favor and share it? Thanks! ❤️
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book by Maria Esteva on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book by Maria Esteva on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
While the world outside feels chaotic, I'm finding peace in Máiréad's underwater realm.
There's something magical about creating a sanctuary through storytelling, both for the writer and future readers. 🌊📖 #WritingProgress #YAFantasy #AuthorLife
There's something magical about creating a sanctuary through storytelling, both for the writer and future readers. 🌊📖 #WritingProgress #YAFantasy #AuthorLife
July 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
While the world outside feels chaotic, I'm finding peace in Máiréad's underwater realm.
There's something magical about creating a sanctuary through storytelling, both for the writer and future readers. 🌊📖 #WritingProgress #YAFantasy #AuthorLife
There's something magical about creating a sanctuary through storytelling, both for the writer and future readers. 🌊📖 #WritingProgress #YAFantasy #AuthorLife
Writing life reality check: Sometimes the best ideas come when you’ve got nowhere to write them down. Lately Máiréad keeps surprising me with plot twists. Anyone else have a selkie queen living rent-free in their head? 🌊👑 #amwriting #yawriter #irishfantasy
July 8, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Writing life reality check: Sometimes the best ideas come when you’ve got nowhere to write them down. Lately Máiréad keeps surprising me with plot twists. Anyone else have a selkie queen living rent-free in their head? 🌊👑 #amwriting #yawriter #irishfantasy
Not just an author, also a history teacher.
When you see your history in a museum…it’s pretty amazing. Even if it’s a reminder that your family didn’t have it easy back in the day, it’s also a reminder of how you persevered and what you’ve overcome.
#representationmatters #historyisimportant
When you see your history in a museum…it’s pretty amazing. Even if it’s a reminder that your family didn’t have it easy back in the day, it’s also a reminder of how you persevered and what you’ve overcome.
#representationmatters #historyisimportant
July 4, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Not just an author, also a history teacher.
When you see your history in a museum…it’s pretty amazing. Even if it’s a reminder that your family didn’t have it easy back in the day, it’s also a reminder of how you persevered and what you’ve overcome.
#representationmatters #historyisimportant
When you see your history in a museum…it’s pretty amazing. Even if it’s a reminder that your family didn’t have it easy back in the day, it’s also a reminder of how you persevered and what you’ve overcome.
#representationmatters #historyisimportant
Had a character development breakthrough today.
Currently seeking ya beta readers.
Looking for feedback on authentic teen voice and dialogue. Interested? Link to excerpts and Google form in my linktree 🌊 #YAFantasy #BetaReaders #WritingCommunity
linktr.ee/jennifer.rj....
Currently seeking ya beta readers.
Looking for feedback on authentic teen voice and dialogue. Interested? Link to excerpts and Google form in my linktree 🌊 #YAFantasy #BetaReaders #WritingCommunity
linktr.ee/jennifer.rj....
jennifer.rj.ryan | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
Teacher by day, writer by birth.
Neurodivergent all the time.
WIP is a YA Fantasy novel titled Máiréad, The Selkie Queen
linktr.ee
July 1, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Had a character development breakthrough today.
Currently seeking ya beta readers.
Looking for feedback on authentic teen voice and dialogue. Interested? Link to excerpts and Google form in my linktree 🌊 #YAFantasy #BetaReaders #WritingCommunity
linktr.ee/jennifer.rj....
Currently seeking ya beta readers.
Looking for feedback on authentic teen voice and dialogue. Interested? Link to excerpts and Google form in my linktree 🌊 #YAFantasy #BetaReaders #WritingCommunity
linktr.ee/jennifer.rj....
Sunday vibes: Sometimes the most authentic thing I can share is that I'm human too. Taking it easy today, but Máiréad's story is still swirling in my mind. Even Selkie Queens need rest days…Luz says so, and that makes it true. 🌊💙 #WritingLife #SelfCare #MáiréadTheSelkieQueen
June 29, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Sunday vibes: Sometimes the most authentic thing I can share is that I'm human too. Taking it easy today, but Máiréad's story is still swirling in my mind. Even Selkie Queens need rest days…Luz says so, and that makes it true. 🌊💙 #WritingLife #SelfCare #MáiréadTheSelkieQueen
Reminding myself this morning that I can do this…
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8rWPcxd/ #irishfamily #irishheritage #irishculture #irishhistory #southie #southboston #survivor
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8rWPcxd/ #irishfamily #irishheritage #irishculture #irishhistory #southie #southboston #survivor
I improve because I don’t know how to quit. Stubborn? Sure. I grew up in a family that had endured physical and emotional hardships, poverty, illnesses like polio and cancer, lives turned upside down ...
TikTok video by jennifer.rj.ryan
www.tiktok.com
June 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Reminding myself this morning that I can do this…
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8rWPcxd/ #irishfamily #irishheritage #irishculture #irishhistory #southie #southboston #survivor
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8rWPcxd/ #irishfamily #irishheritage #irishculture #irishhistory #southie #southboston #survivor
Luna is absolutely the reason why writing does not happen. Luz will plop herself in my lap and make it difficult but Luna? She’s shoving stuff off the table, eating my notebook, and climbing me like I’m a jungle gym. 🤣
#thestruggleisreal #writerswithcats #blackcats #catsisters #LunaAndLuz
#thestruggleisreal #writerswithcats #blackcats #catsisters #LunaAndLuz
June 27, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Luna is absolutely the reason why writing does not happen. Luz will plop herself in my lap and make it difficult but Luna? She’s shoving stuff off the table, eating my notebook, and climbing me like I’m a jungle gym. 🤣
#thestruggleisreal #writerswithcats #blackcats #catsisters #LunaAndLuz
#thestruggleisreal #writerswithcats #blackcats #catsisters #LunaAndLuz
Just wrote my “Retirement Plus Fix” letter supporting teachers unfairly excluded from a retirement option that helps them retire at a reasonable age/number of years of service. Good for taxpayers too (new teachers have lower salaries).
Write a letter here:
actionnetwork.org/letters/64e4...
Write a letter here:
actionnetwork.org/letters/64e4...
AFT Massachusetts “A Retirement Plus Fix” letter Writing Tool
For decades, AFT Massachusetts and member locals, including the Boston Teachers Union, have helped members navigate their complex benefits systems. Part of that work includes addressing issues with th...
actionnetwork.org
June 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Just wrote my “Retirement Plus Fix” letter supporting teachers unfairly excluded from a retirement option that helps them retire at a reasonable age/number of years of service. Good for taxpayers too (new teachers have lower salaries).
Write a letter here:
actionnetwork.org/letters/64e4...
Write a letter here:
actionnetwork.org/letters/64e4...
I just backed Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
#backeditbecause children need to know they are sacred and valuable beyond measure simply because they exist.
#backeditbecause children need to know they are sacred and valuable beyond measure simply because they exist.
Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book
A magical children’s book and journal to help kids breathe, reconnect, and remember—through story, the birth song of life and creation
www.kickstarter.com
June 21, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I just backed Ik’: 3 Breaths – A Sacred Children’s Book on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/3br...
#backeditbecause children need to know they are sacred and valuable beyond measure simply because they exist.
#backeditbecause children need to know they are sacred and valuable beyond measure simply because they exist.
Wrapped up #year27 of teaching with a #walkin because we want to advocate for ourselves, not cut access to any child’s education. We will always prioritize student learning, but we also have needs. #teachertwitter #UnionStrong #teacherlife #middleschoolteacher #2425SchoolYear
June 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Wrapped up #year27 of teaching with a #walkin because we want to advocate for ourselves, not cut access to any child’s education. We will always prioritize student learning, but we also have needs. #teachertwitter #UnionStrong #teacherlife #middleschoolteacher #2425SchoolYear
Achill Island: Where Selkie Legends Never Sleep
Explore Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, where selkie stories and maritime legends intertwine. Discover how this mystical setting inspired scenes in 'Máiréad, The Selkie Queen' and shaped Ireland's selkie folklore.
Explore Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, where selkie stories and maritime legends intertwine. Discover how this mystical setting inspired scenes in 'Máiréad, The Selkie Queen' and shaped Ireland's selkie folklore.
Achill Island: Where Selkie Legends Never Sleep
Explore Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, where selkie stories and maritime legends intertwine. Discover how this mystical setting inspired scenes in 'Máiréad, The Selkie Queen' and shaped Ireland's selkie folklore.
jennifer-ryan.org
June 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Achill Island: Where Selkie Legends Never Sleep
Explore Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, where selkie stories and maritime legends intertwine. Discover how this mystical setting inspired scenes in 'Máiréad, The Selkie Queen' and shaped Ireland's selkie folklore.
Explore Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, where selkie stories and maritime legends intertwine. Discover how this mystical setting inspired scenes in 'Máiréad, The Selkie Queen' and shaped Ireland's selkie folklore.
It’s been a year since my Aunt Mary left us after a fierce fight against cancer. This weekend my family gathered to toast her memory, tell stories, laugh, cry, and share a Yankee Swap.
You are missed Mary Kay❤️
You are missed Mary Kay❤️
June 10, 2025 at 1:33 PM
It’s been a year since my Aunt Mary left us after a fierce fight against cancer. This weekend my family gathered to toast her memory, tell stories, laugh, cry, and share a Yankee Swap.
You are missed Mary Kay❤️
You are missed Mary Kay❤️
Today's Selkie Sunday newsletter introduces you to Máiréad, a girl who belongs to two worlds but feels like a stranger in both.
Standing at the water's edge, she feels the sea calling...but home is up the hill with her Seanmháthair.
Standing at the water's edge, she feels the sea calling...but home is up the hill with her Seanmháthair.
Sign up for the Selkie Sunday Newsletter
If there is anything marked as 'required' which you choose not to share (other than your email), that's fine...just put in an X on the line and I'll know that is you opting out of sharing that informa...
docs.google.com
June 9, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Today's Selkie Sunday newsletter introduces you to Máiréad, a girl who belongs to two worlds but feels like a stranger in both.
Standing at the water's edge, she feels the sea calling...but home is up the hill with her Seanmháthair.
Standing at the water's edge, she feels the sea calling...but home is up the hill with her Seanmháthair.