If you’re interested in learning a little more about who I am, where I come from, and where I’m going, then this is the right page for you!
My Origin Story
Where do I begin? Well, my full name is Brianna Riley MacMahon. I’m a tired Millennial, and my sun sign is Cancer, my moon sign is Aries, and my rising sign is Leo. According to Astrology.com, that means I experience very intense emotions, which definitely seems accurate! (I’m not obsessed with astrology, but I do think it’s a fun tool to learn more about ourselves!)
I was born in Connecticut but raised in New York. (And I absolutely love living in New York!) My siblings are my best friends in the entire world, and my parents are the most supportive, loving, and generous people I know. My family members have been there for me through all the ups and downs, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!
I am a very introverted person. I’m happiest in my own company and that of my family and close friends. Also, I am very liberal. I don’t shy away from expressing my political opinions, and my books reflect this.
I would definitely consider myself a homebody. I also love to bake, and I’m the sort of person who thinks a dessert menu isn’t complete unless there is a chocolate item on it.
My Education
For undergrad, I attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. I studied history and political science. While at Hartwick, I honed my writing skills by taking courses in creative writing and playwriting. It was at Hartwick that I started developing the idea for what would eventually become the New Caelus Series. All those history and political science classes started to seep into my brain, and in my free time, I jotted down ideas I had about world-building, political systems, and characters. Eventually, this morphed into On the Precipice!
I then went on to attain my master’s in political science from Syracuse University, graduating in the momentous year 2020. (*Insert ominous music.*) And at Syracuse, that was when I started working on The Great Dempseys (the overall series). After I graduated from Syracuse, I started working as a freelance editor and proofreader, which has been an absolute dream. I love being able to work from wherever, and I love having the freedom to set my own schedule.
Still, over time, I realized I wanted to pursue my writing career, and I started looking into ways to promote my books and create my author brand.
And here I am! And here you are! So, clearly, I’m doing something right!
Where I Am Today
It hasn’t been an easy journey, and there are certainly moments when I wonder whether I am even up to the task. But I have heard so many wonderful things from the people who have purchased and reviewed On the Precipice and/or The Great Dempseys, and it reminds me that I can do this, that I’m worthy, that I shouldn’t give up on my dream.
As of now, my books have been featured on 200+ news sites, and I have been working to increase my following on social media, cultivate honest book reviews, and reach more readers. As of June 2025, I have won four awards (one for On the Precipice and three for The Great Dempseys). In 2024, Best of Best Review named me the Best New Indie Author of 2024! I am hoping to keep this momentum going!
I hope you enjoy my books, and feel free to peruse the site.
Check out the links below if you want to learn more about my books!