LYNN – Lynn-based writer Ryan C. Curtis has published his debut novel, Galumptious Daisy And the Seven Spirits to Save the World.
Set in Massachusetts, the story follows young protagonist Daisy as she navigates the education system in the age of A.I. and the future of the American dream.
“The book isn’t trying to tear down the education system. Instead, it’s asking the questions of what we need to do going forward. How do we adapt and educate kids better so they can handle what’s coming for them?” Curtis said.
A lifelong Lynner, Curtis attended Shoemaker Elementary School and Pickering Middle School before studying Criminology at Sacred Heart University. While he has always had a “knack” for writing, Curtis said that the state of the world in the last five years has “turned everything upside down,” which fueled his creativity and motivated him to put his “relevant” ideas on paper.
“At this time in our country, we need something that’s going to uplift people, something that’s not so dark. We need something that people can look to and feel like there’s a little bit of hope,” Curtis said.
“With the education system, it’s one area where it doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re on. We can all agree that we all want the best education for our kids,” Curtis added.
Inspired by writers Jerzy Kosiński and Tom Robbins, Curtis said he prefers to read “older, classic fiction” as he finds these works tend to “have more weight and philosophy behind them as opposed to some of the stuff that’s on the market today.”
As for his own writing style, Curtis described it as “whimsical yet gritty,” and that Galumptious Daisy And the Seven Spirits to Save the World is a “slow burn that makes you think.” At approximately 350 pages, the book was written in seven months.
Curtis also detailed the process of writing and self publishing the book. He said that in order for everything to come together, he had to push himself to finish each chapter, regardless if he felt particularly creative in the moment.
“It’s a matter of just sitting down and doing it. You really have to take it seriously and put yourself out there,” Curtis said.
Curtis also talked about how growing up in Lynn shapes the way he creates his characters, as the city taught him to “adapt and understand all walks of life.”
“Being from Lynn, it’s a melting pot. You get a feel for everything. You get city life, and areas where it’s more peaceful. There’s very tough minded and honorable people who will take their shirt off their back and hand it to you if you need it,” Curtis said.
