Annabel Monaghan is an American author best known for her romantic comedies. She gained recognition for her novels Nora Goes Off Script (2022) and Same Time Next Summer (2024), both published by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Annabel Monaghan was born in Los Angeles, California, where she spent her early years surrounded by family, most of whom still reside in Southern California. She pursued higher education at Duke University, earning a degree in English. Annabel also obtained an MBA from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
Initially, Monaghan worked as an investment banker, a career she left to focus on writing and teaching. She has also taught novel writing at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.
Her early writing career included young adult fiction, with notable titles such as A Girl Named Digit (2012) and its sequel, Double Digit (2014). Monaghan also wrote a column for The Rye Record, catering to an adult audience, and contributed to publications like The Huffington Post and The Week. She founded the author series Friends With Words, fostering a community for writers and readers.
In her adult fiction, Monaghan has crafted stories that blend humour and romance. Her recent novel, Summer Romance (2024), quickly became a USA Today and Washington Post bestseller. The book tells the story of Ali Morris, a suburban woman whose life is in disarray after several personal setbacks.
Through the character's journey, Monaghan explores themes of renewal and the small steps that lead to significant change. Reflecting on her writing, Monaghan said: "I read for pleasure. I read to escape. I don't read to make my life more difficult than it already is.
Her novels often feature strong, relatable heroines who undergo personal growth independent of their romantic relationships. This focus on self-discovery is a hallmark of her work, as she believes that "the journey we're all on is just to get back to ourselves and away from all the nonsense."
Monaghan continues to captivate readers with her heartfelt stories and promises of happy endings. She assures her readers, "I'll never kill a dog," highlighting her commitment to providing uplifting narratives. Her advice to aspiring writers is straightforward: "Write the book that you're going to want to read, the book that only you can write." This approach underscores her belief in the importance of authenticity and personal connection in storytelling.
Currently, Annabel Monaghan resides with her family in the suburbs of New York City.
Photo credit: annabelmonaghan.com
