Authors and former Kent State students Nicole Ryan and Eryka Parker signed their books for students and the public at the university’s bookstore on Saturday Sept. 28. Each author had a table set up that showcased their books and provided information about their upcoming projects and events.
Ryan, an author of four books, all within the romance genre, published her debut title “Second Chance Vacation” in August 2023.
“I always loved to write. I just fell in love with reading and writing and kinda one day decided to take the plunge,” she said.
Ryan studied in the school of fashion but left before finishing the program. Her latest book, “The Very First Night,” released last July and takes place at Kent State. It follows a Kent State alumna, named Kat, who finds herself five years in the past and back at college to pursue “the one that got away.”
“When I wanted to write a college romance, I knew it had to take place at Kent. It’s been wonderful connecting with readers. Connecting with people in the place that it takes place in has just been such a cool experience,” Ryan said.
Eryka Parker, who writes under the pseudonym Zariah L. Banks, won multiple awards from her debut book, “Beauty Beheld: A Beauty Is Her Name Novel,” published in March 2023. Parker has three published books, all focusing on romance and emotional growth.
“Everyone deserves to be loved, regardless of their past. There’s someone out there that will accept you for who you are right now. I want people to know that,” she said.
Parker was a business major and used that knowledge to become a book coach.
“My mother always told me, ‘Just do something that you think you can fall back on no matter what you do,’ and it ended up working out,” she said.
Parker always had a spark for creative writing but didn’t gain the confidence to publish one of her works until 2020. Due to COVID-19, the publication was delayed until 2023.
“I’ve been writing short stories and fiction since I was nine. Imposter syndrome held me back for a very long time. Finally, I just decided, ‘You know what? It’s my time,’” she said.
Parker’s most recent work, a short story in a collection titled “Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes,” was published this past July.
Parker reflected on the connection she had with Kent and why she felt it important to come back for the book signing.
“Kent State was a really major part of my identity as a young adult. I had an excellent experience here. I felt supported, so it’s really fun to come back,” she said. “It’s always great to connect with alumni and seeing all the various stages they are at throughout their educational career. It’s inspiring.”
Ryan’s next book, titled “One Room Vacancy,” is set to release in March 2025. Parker’s next novel, “Beauty Betrothed,” is slated for spring 2025.
“There is someone out there waiting for your story; everyone who has had success as a writer has always thought no one’s gonna read that,” Parker said. “Everyone has doubted themselves. But you can’t allow that to hold you back. You have to do it afraid.”
Aryn Kauble is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected]
