Nkrumah Mensah – Anne of Ryland: Courage, Creativity, and the Making of a Seven-Book Series

From Construction to Creativity: The Story Behind the Series

Nkrumah Mensah’s journey as a novelist didn’t start with a publishing deal—it started with a forgotten manuscript and a curious daughter. By day, Mensah works in construction; by night, she creates worlds full of courage, self-discovery, and adventure.

Her second book, Anne of Ryland, continues a seven-part series following a young woman navigating life in the late 1500s and early 1600s. What began as a single story tucked away in a box grew into a literary universe inspired by the curiosity of young readers, proving that sometimes stories find their moment years after they were written.

In this episode of Author’s Voice with KAJ, Mensah shares her journey from writing privately to publishing, and the lessons she learned about courage, creativity, and staying true to one’s voice.

Key Insights from Nkrumah Mensah

• Rediscovering Inspiration: The Anne series was revived when her daughter found an old manuscript and encouraged her to share it. Creativity sometimes needs time and the right nudge to flourish.

• Courage to Publish: “Storytelling at home is safe—but once it’s in print, it’s forever.” Sharing your work publicly takes bravery, and that courage can open doors.

• Growth Through Perspective: Revisiting her manuscript as a mother softened her depiction of parental characters, showing how life experience enriches storytelling.

• Balancing Passion and Profession: Mensah demonstrates that pursuing your passion alongside a career is possible through consistent, small steps rather than waiting for perfection.

• Engaging Readers Shapes Stories: Questions and curiosity from readers inspired new characters and story arcs, proving storytelling is an evolving dialogue with your audience.

• Purpose Over Fame: Her goal is connection, not recognition. “If my story can touch one person the way a book once touched me, that’s success.”

Words to Remember

“It’s difficult to go out and discover who you are and make your own path. But there’s room for grace—for the child and the parent. Have faith that things will work out.”— Nkrumah Mensah, Author of Anne of Ryland

Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, or creative professional, Mensah’s story reminds us that persistence, courage, and connection can transform ideas into something meaningful. Her insights show that balancing career and creativity is possible—and that sometimes, the right story just needs to wait for its moment.