Podcast: Stories from Real Life

Host: Melvin E. Edwards

Guest: Aaron Ryan

Release Date: May 12, 2026

Episode Summary

Award-winning and bestselling author Aaron Ryan joins Stories from Real Life to discuss the discipline, persistence, and creativity required to build a life around storytelling.

With a career spanning science fiction, dystopian fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and business writing, Aaron has established himself as a prolific voice in independent publishing. His bestselling Dissonance alien invasion saga has reached readers around the world, with one installment adapted for the screen and currently being pitched to streaming networks.

In this episode, Aaron shares lessons from his journey as a writer, entrepreneur, voice actor, and creative professional. He discusses the realities of self-publishing, the habits that sustain productivity, and the mindset required to keep creating across multiple stages of life.

This conversation is especially valuable for writers, entrepreneurs, and creators seeking practical insight into building momentum and maintaining creative discipline.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

* What separates writers who finish books from those who never do

* The biggest misconceptions about self-publishing

* How discipline drives creative productivity

* Why storytelling skills transfer across careers and industries

* The mindset required to sustain a long-term creative career

* How reinvention can become a competitive advantage

* What it takes to build a career as an independent author

Aaron Ryan’s Website

Stories from Real Life

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