Picture a Rhode Island storyteller who weaves magic, grief, and messy love into unforgettable tales—meet Riss M. Neilson! This rising star in young adult literature burst onto the scene with her 2022 debut, Deep in Providence, a spellbinding blend of fantasy and real-world struggles. With a knack for crafting flawed yet lovable characters and a deep love for her Providence roots, Neilson’s stories resonate with readers craving authentic, heartfelt narratives.
A mother of two, anime enthusiast, and self-proclaimed fanfiction alum, Neilson brings a vibrant, relatable energy to her work. Her novels tackle heavy themes like loss and chronic illness while celebrating friendship and cultural identity, making her a standout voice in YA fiction.
The Making of Riss M. Neilson
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Riss M. Neilson grew up immersed in the city’s diverse art and culture scene. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rhode Island College, she initially studied ultrasound technology, never imagining writing as a career. Her passion for storytelling blossomed through fanfiction, where she honed her craft writing Gilmore Girls and Dark Angel stories. Creative writing classes with mentors like poet Carrie Shipers and novelist Emily M. Danforth changed everything, urging her to take her talent seriously. That encouragement sparked a journey from nursing assistant to award-nominated author.
Riss M. Neilson’s Unforgettable Stories
Neilson’s debut, Deep in Providence (2022), is a haunting YA fantasy about three best friends grappling with their friend’s death. Set against a vividly drawn Providence, the novel blends Filipino magic with raw themes of grief, identity, and teen struggles. Critics praised its emotional depth and cultural representation, earning it a spot as a 2022 New England Book Awards finalist.
Her follow-up, I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark (2023), dives into paranormal romance, following a teen investigating her ex-best friend’s strange behavior. Infused with ghostly intrigue and Neilson’s signature emotional heft, it captivated fans of supernatural tales. In 2024, A Love Like the Sun, her adult debut, explored a friends-to-lovers romance with a mixed-race protagonist facing chronic illness. A USA Today bestseller featured on NBC’s Today, it showcased Neilson’s versatility and knack for heartfelt storytelling.
Neilson’s style is a vibrant tapestry of magical realism, diverse representation, and messy, lovable characters. Her Providence settings feel like characters themselves, pulsing with bodegas, murals, and coastal charm. Themes of family, friendship, and resilience shine through, grounded by her own experiences as a mixed-race woman with chronic kidney disease.
Why Riss M. Neilson Matters
Riss M. Neilson’s impact lies in her ability to blend fantastical elements with real-world issues, creating stories that resonate with marginalized readers. Her focus on Black, Latinx, Asian, and queer characters brings much-needed diversity to YA and romance genres. By tackling topics like grief, addiction, and chronic illness, she offers teens and adults alike a mirror for their struggles and a beacon of hope. Her rise from fanfiction writer to bestselling author inspires aspiring creatives, proving that authentic voices can shine.
Neilson’s work also elevates Providence as a literary backdrop, celebrating its cultural richness. As she continues to explore new genres, her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next tale of love, magic, and messy humanity.
- Born: Providence, Rhode Island
- Key Works: Deep in Providence, I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark, A Love Like the Sun
- Awards: 2022 New England Book Awards Finalist (Deep in Providence)
- Fun Fact: She’s a huge anime fan and plays video games with her kids!
About Riss M. Neilson
Snag Deep in Providence or A Love Like the Sun and dive into Riss M. Neilson’s magical, messy world of heartfelt storytelling!