Picture a Pittsburgh-born storyteller who spins tales of love that leap across centuries—meet Gwyn Cready! Known as the 'master of time travel romance,' Cready blends humor, history, and heart-pounding passion in novels that whisk readers from modern-day airports to pirate ships and Scottish castles. With a RITA Award under her belt, she’s a standout in the romance genre, crafting stories that are as witty as they are swoon-worthy.
Before she became a celebrated author, Cready was a brand manager with an MBA from the University of Chicago, bringing a sharp, strategic mind to her creative pursuits. Her journey from corporate life to bestselling novelist is as inspiring as the heroines she writes about, proving that love and adventure are timeless.
The Making of Gwyn Cready
Born on January 17, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gwyn Cready grew up in the vibrant suburb of Mt. Lebanon. A graduate of the University of Chicago with a BA in English literature (1983) and an MBA in marketing (1986), she spent 25 years in brand management, working for companies like GlaxoSmithKline. The tragic loss of her sister Claire in 1997 sparked a turning point, pushing Cready to pursue her dream of writing. Within a month, she began her first novel, determined to honor her sister’s artistic legacy with her own creative voice.
Gwyn Cready’s Unforgettable Stories
Cready’s novels are a delightful mix of time travel, romance, and comedy, often set against the backdrop of her beloved Pittsburgh. Her debut, Tumbling Through Time (2008), follows Persephone 'Seph' Pyle, who tries on magical pink sandals at a Pittsburgh airport and ends up on an 18th-century pirate ship. Critics praised its humor, with Publishers Weekly calling it 'a joy.' Her second novel, Seducing Mr. Darcy (2008), won the 2009 RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, blending a modern heroine’s romp through Pride and Prejudice with laugh-out-loud chaos.
Flirting with Forever (2010) dives into 17th-century art history, where a writer’s time portal sparks a steamy affair with painter Peter Lely. The Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands series, starting with Just in Time for a Highlander (2015), transports readers to 1706 Scotland, where a modern businessman aids a fierce clan chieftess. Cready’s signature style—witty dialogue, clever schemes, and steamy chemistry—makes her books irresistible, earning comparisons to Janet Evanovich for their playful tone.
Her meticulous research, honed at the University of Chicago, shines through in vivid historical settings, while her brand management experience adds a polished, reader-focused flair. Whether it’s a pirate’s ship or a Highland castle, Cready’s worlds feel immersive and alive, inviting readers to lose themselves in love across time.
Why Gwyn Cready Matters
Gwyn Cready has carved a unique niche in romance, elevating time travel narratives with humor and heart. Her RITA Award win solidified her as a leader in paranormal romance, while her Pittsburgh settings celebrate her hometown’s charm. By tackling themes of self-discovery and empowerment, her stories resonate with readers who crave both escapism and emotional depth. Cready’s work proves that romance novels are more than 'bodice rippers'—they’re powerful tales of triumph and connection.
Her influence extends beyond books, inspiring aspiring writers to chase their dreams, just as she did after personal loss. In a genre often underestimated, Cready’s intelligent, fun storytelling champions the joy of romance, making her a beloved figure in the literary world.
- Born: January 17, 1962, Pittsburgh, PA
- Key Works: Tumbling Through Time, Seducing Mr. Darcy, Just in Time for a Highlander
- Awards: 2009 RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance
- Education: BA in English Literature, MBA in Marketing, University of Chicago
Snag Seducing Mr. Darcy and dive into Gwyn Cready’s time-traveling, laugh-out-loud romance today!