Russell Nohelty

Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author and the founder of Wannabe Press, a publishing company that champions stories for rebels, punks, and outcasts. His work is driven by a singular vision: to tell stories that challenge authority, question reality, and empower the marginalized.

Describing himself as a love child of Jason Pargin, Chuck Palahniuk, Naomi Novik, and Kurt Vonnegut—spiked with a dash of Terry Pratchett and Jim Butcher—Russell writes fast-paced, action-adventure fantasy thrillers packed with magic, monsters, and mythology. His stories are known for their sharp wit, impossible stakes, and characters who refuse to kneel to the system.

Creative Philosophy

At the heart of Wannabe Press is a simple belief: stories should empower, not pacify. Russell writes for the punks, the nerds, the outcasts—the ones who refuse to kneel just because the system says so. His books are often thinly veiled critiques of capitalism and authority, wrapped in high-octane adventure and humor.

Whether it’s a mental patient waking up in an asylum to become a monster hunter, fake superheroes gaining real powers, or a diabetic college student trapped in a realm of living fairy tales, Russell’s stories put characters in impossible situations where success seems nearly unattainable—yet somehow, they find a way.

Professional Background

Russell’s career is defined by building things from the ground up:

Wannabe Press - Founded in 2014 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, now a thriving indie press
Writer MBA - Co-founded with Monica Leonelle to help authors build sustainable careers
Author Ecosystems - Co-created the archetyping system to help writers understand their natural strengths
The Author Stack - Publication exploring the intersection of craft and commerce