Growing up a shy child with limited means, John Ryland became an avid reader. These forays into the world of fiction quickly fueled his desire to write. Since the day his second-grade letter was published in the local newspaper, he knew he wanted to see his work in print. He penned his first story at an early age, and always loved telling stories. His first novel, written around the age of fifteen never saw the light of day, but it did further his desire to write. Reading the masters of the craft like Hemmingway, Frost, and Witman among others, he learned what a great book looked and felt like. Inspired by other southern writers, he enjoys a southern setting in his longer works. His work has appeared in print since 1997. Today he lives in Northport, Alabama with his wife and two sons, where he writes poetry, short stories, and longer works. When he is not writing, John enjoys gardening, sports, and still enjoys reading the old masters.
