Morgan Rylie is a YA author who writes emotionally driven stories about identity, love, and the messy process of growing up when nothing feels simple. Her books often explore characters navigating relationships, expectations, and the weight of choices that shape who they become.
She’s drawn to stories that feel honest and emotionally real—messy, intense, and sometimes painful in the way real life can be. From forbidden love and identity discovery to toxic relationships, second chances, and self-acceptance, her writing focuses on the moments that change people from the inside out.
When she’s not writing, Morgan is usually balancing everyday life, too many ideas at once, and a schedule that rarely slows down. Her days are long, her nights are often longer, and “just one more chapter” is rarely just one.
She also enjoys connecting with readers online, talking tropes, books, and all the emotional chaos that comes with being a reader and writer.
At the core of her work is a simple goal: to tell stories that make readers feel something long after the final page.
About Summer Love Autumn Goodbye
Summer Love Autumn Goodbye is a YA forbidden romance about timing, connection, and the kind of love that refuses to fade even when life says it should. When two people are drawn together in a moment that was never meant to last, they’re forced to face choices, consequences, and the painful truth that some feelings don’t disappear just because the season changes.
It’s a story of love, loss, and everything left unsaid in between.
The interview
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I started writing about Young Adult Social Issues because when I was a teenager, these were things that we faced every day, but no one talked about, and if they were, it was in a bad light. We felt alone. I wanted to show these teens that they are NOT alone. Yes, my topics may be dark (suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, abusive relationships etc.), but no one should have to face that alone.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
I have a digital notebook that is accessible on my tablet, laptop, and phone with various ideas and character names whenever inspiration comes to mind. There are also multiple voice memos in my phone.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
Character driven. In my stories, the entire plot is the character growth.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
Real life.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I love them! I remember going to the library as a teenager and spending hours typing away on the typewriter. I’m old, so computers weren’t as available back then!
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
A library! When I buy physical books, I generally give them away when I am finished with them. I love sharing books with others.
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
My first book, Summer Love Autumn Goodbye, was actually inspired by a true story. Some of the names in the story have changed to protect the people, but Chad deserved to be remembered by his real name.
For my other books, I have a list of names that I come across and really like. Sometimes I will start an entire story with just a name, and sometimes they don’t even have a name until the book is complete.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
I don’t have one ☹ I am terrible at promoting, mostly because I found that while I can talk about certain subjects (my kids, theater, music, and of course books) all day long, I am generally not comfortable talking about myself.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I can’t write on a computer. I feel more creative writing out a first draft on paper (with different colored ink for each writing session) than I do in front of a screen.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I am very involved in a local children’s theater organization, and all of my kids are involved in some way, whether it be on the stage, set design, lighting, or other things. I also absolutely love live music, which I share that passion with my oldest two children. My teenage son and I watch wrestling and go to shows every chance we get.
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
Chad. I was a teenager when he urged me to stop being afraid to share my writing with the world. It may have taken me far longer than it should of, but I did it.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
I’m actually not much of a book collector. My small bookshelf contains my books, and a handful of physical books on my TBR. Once they are read, they will most likely be given away.
What is the most unique way that an idea for a piece of writing has come to you?
I get inspiration from everywhere, sometimes at the most annoying times. Doing dishes. The most annoying is when I’m driving, because I know that when I get wherever I’m going, I will have forgotten the idea completely.
My kid thought it was hilarious when we were at a wrestling show and I was hit with the inspiration for Beneath the Lights. I pulled out my phone and recorded a voice memo right on the spot.
Some of my most unique writing ideas come from asking “what if the emotional truth was different than what it looks like?” I’ll take a normal situation and flip the internal experience—what someone is hiding, what they’re afraid to admit, what’s going unsaid. That’s usually where the real story starts for me.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I am a huge reader, but I DON’T own a huge collection of books. Most of the books I read are digital. I do have a small bookshelf with physical copies of my books and a handful of books that are on my TBR, but they will likely be given away after I get around to reading them.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
I have never gone away to specifically write, but I love writing outside. I will frequently take a notebook to a park and sit and write for hours. Also, there is a park mentioned in Summer Love Autumn Goodbye that I wrote most of the book at.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
Almost everything! As an indie author, I don’t just write. I edit. I design covers and social media material. I am my own promoter. Yes, there may be days that all I do all day is sit around and write, but those days are few and far between. There is so much to it.
Also, when people leave a bad review just because my books may contain controversial material. There are trigger warnings at the beginning for a reason. If you don’t want to read about self-harm, don’t pick up Self Inflicted or Out on the Ice. Want a happy ending? Stay away from Summer Love Autumn Goodbye. Don’t like LGBTQ+ themes? Out on the Ice and One of the Guys is definitely not for you.
Also, if you are looking for spice, you won’t find it in any of my YA books, but there is some in my adult fantasy Heir of the Forgotten.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
Honestly, my favorite moment is getting messages from fans that tell me they identified with a character, even if it is not a good character. The entire purpose of my YA books are to make teens realize they are not alone.
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