Hi, I’m Darlene Reilley, an indie author, teacher and lifelong Bookdragon. I’ve been writing professionally since 2006. I started with a crayon in the 80s and never really stopped. By the 90s, I was scribbling in notebooks and building worlds of my own.
I write across genres including literary fiction, science fiction, romance, horror, poetry, and nonfiction. My work is grounded in bold characters, curious minds, and stories that explore grit, wonder, and transformation. Whether it is a girl with a bat in a zombie apocalypse or a baby dragon discovering the joy of reading, my stories spiral back to one thing: what it means to live with heart.
My journey started in a small-town library in Harbor Springs, Michigan, where I fell in love with the quiet magic of stories. That love carried me through years of study in writing, journalism, anthropology, religion, and language education. It also led me here, writing the kinds of books I wished I had when I needed them most. I believe storytelling is how we survive, how we connect, and how we remember who we are. I write to spark curiosity, create connection, and hold space for the messy, beautiful parts of life.
I’ve been teaching writers since 2009 in settings ranging from community workshops to national platforms. I’ve led multiple online craft workshops for Romance Writers of America (RWA) and other literary groups, with a focus on helping writers develop voice, structure, and emotional resonance across genres. Over the years, I’ve worked with emerging and established authors through private coaching, seasonal workshops, and practical writing resources that blend encouragement with craft.
27 books published. Over 1,000 students taught. Committed to accessible, empowering writing education.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually hiking a trail, reading with a snack, learning languages, or daydreaming the next story into being.
My Books
From sci-fi adventures to soulful guides, from classroom-ready stories to poetry with bite, I write across genres to meet readers and writers wherever they are. Browse My Books
Professional Writing & Portfolio
For editors, publishers, and clients: professional writing samples and freelance information are available below.
Want to Say Hello?
I love hearing from readers, writers, teachers, and curious minds of all kinds.
Get In Touch or email me at DReilley7@gmail.com.
DarWrites 
Hi! Good luck with the book. Thanks – I hope you enjoy my books! Best, Darlene
Howdy Darlene 😊 I feel like a beginner here on WP as I try to navigate this new page for my book that’s been in the making for 15 years. I’ve been here on WP for 13 or 14 years. I don’t remember it being so dang hard to build a page when I started.
Anywho, I’m looking forward to reading more of your writings.
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Darlene, how about top 3 sci fi books? or authors …!
Russel,
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you find the blog inspiring.
Sincerely,
Darlene Reilley
Its excellent as your other blog posts : D, thankyou for putting up. “I catnap now and then, but I think while I nap, so it’s not a waste of time.” by Martha Stewart.
Julie,
Inspiring writers is one of my passions. Thank you for your kind words. I will check out the links.
Darlene
Hi Darlene – I sort of stumbled upon your blog while searching around on WordPress and am so glad I did! As a writer still very much in the aspiring stages of being published, you are definitely an inspiration. 🙂
Quick FYI about the links: I tried to visit your website but ended up getting the “website suggestions” page. Our server goes in and out sometimes, so it may have just been an issue on my side.
~Julie