We chat with author Anastasia Ryan about her latest release Not Bad For a Girl, which is a workplace comedy of errors is sure to put a smile on your face featuring hilariously awkward lunch breaks to cringe-worthy Zoom calls.
Hi, Anastasia! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi, thanks for having me! I’m Anastasia Ryan, author of YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE, which came out in January of 2023, and NOT BAD FOR A GIRL, which is debuting this month. Both are published through Sourcebooks. I write comedy and women’s fiction with a splash of romance that focuses on strong women and the issues we face in today’s workforce. I love cats (and dogs – why choose?), black coffee, the color blue, and come from a family of writers. I love writing humor because the real world is scary enough, and laughing helps.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I grew up around writers, and always had an angsty poem on the go as a teenager. I’ve always loved writing, but didn’t attempt to write a book until YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE, which was my first novel. As an introvert, I got fed up with my dead end job and wanted to make fun of the endless team building activities and toxic office culture. What started as a story to make my friends laugh turned into a manuscript, and here we are!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Secret of the Unicorn Queen by Josepha Sherman. I was 7 and hated reading but loved unicorns. My dad bought it for me to try to encourage a love of reading, and it worked. As an adult, I got to meet her at an author event. I now have a signed copy, which is one of my prized possessions.
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. I read it in middle school and loved it so much I may have made it my identity for awhile.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: I reread Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut every year. It always hits me right in the chest. For a more contemporary example, Wilder Girls by Rory Power lives rent-free in my brain. What a beautifully told, haunting story.
Your latest novel, Not Bad For a Girl, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
The Best Man for the Job is a Woman OR Fun Feminist Anthem about Perception… Whew that was hard!
What can readers expect?
NOT BAD FOR A GIRL is a fun, satirical exploration of how the way you look can impact how you’re treated at work. When Indiana Aaron is transferred to a remote work team for speaking up one too many times, she decides to keep her head down and her computer camera off during Zoom meetings. Because of her gender neutral name, her boss mistakes Ana as male, and she gets a rare glimpse into what her professional life would be like if she were a strong, masculine man. She leans in, and her career (and life) take a hilarious turn. Take down the patriarchy with Ana. It’s a fun time.
Where did the inspiration for Not Bad For a Girl come from?
From my own experience. I noticed that, depending on what name I used to sign emails at work, I got a different tone in response. I also noticed how women tend to present professional ideas followed by something like, “I hope you like it!” as opposed to “I think you’ll be pleased.” I wanted to explore what it would feel like to find oneself with a backdoor view into the boys’ club, then take the idea and push it further into the realm of satire. Of course, what Ana does is risky, and she gets in over her head pretty quickly.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really enjoyed exploring Ana’s relationship with her dad in this book. As a feminist story, I wanted to make sure that there were plenty of male characters that defied the stereotypes and portrayed men in a positive light. Ana has been raised by a single father who taught her humor, resiliency, and self-love. He thinks everything she does is golden, and he was such a fun character to write. He’s both mother and father to her, adding a complexity to the gender stereotypes the book explores. She also has male co-workers who face some of the same difficulties in the work world who support her.
What do you love about writing romance?
My books tend to be more women’s fiction with a dash of romance. I adore romance as a genre, but comedy is my main focus. Romance is an important part of our lives and it takes the form of subplot in my books. I want to write strong female characters that find love and romance but are complete without it as well.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on a romantasy novel that I’m very excited about! It’s been fun to switch genres and work on the more serious, angsty side of storytelling.
With it being the new year, have you set any goals or resolutions for 2024?
I need to learn to relax more. I’m a hot mess, and I’m trying to be less anxious and more laid-back. Maybe learn to have patience.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
Yes! I’m so excited about KJ Micciche’s A Storybook Wedding, as well as Erin Hahn’s Even if it Breaks Your Heart. I’m fortunate to have met both of these women and have immense respect for their ability to tell captivating stories.
