Shannyn Schroeder ’94 finds voice as romance author

Nov. 14, 2018

When Shannyn Schroeder ’94 isn't busy teaching grammar to licensed practical nurses at Wheeling North Shore College of Health Care, she writes romance novels about realistic relationships. It's something she's wanted to do since taking creative writing and English courses in high school and at Rosary College.

Years before Shannyn began writing her first romance series, she taught at Arts of Living, an alternative high school for pregnant and parenting teens. After moving to Des Plaines 20 years ago, Shannyn taught advanced reading/language arts at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights. She challenged bright students, which she says was her favorite job. She then worked at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein, E Learn Daily, and Best Brains after-school tutoring company.

After the birth of her second child, Shannyn fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, “If you’re going to read so many romance books, why don’t you just write one?”

So she did. That first book is safely buried on her hard drive, but the process set Shannyn on the path to where she is today. The six-book O’Leary series has wrapped up, as well as two Hot & Nerdy new adult trilogies. She’s currently working on her next series.