Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan | |
|---|---|
 Ryan at the 2024 Gaithersburg Book Festival | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Novelist  |
| Website | https://kennedyryanwrites.com/ |
Kennedy Ryan is an American romance novelist recognized for her contemporary romance novels highlighting social issues and diverse characters. She is the first Black winner of a RITA Award for romantic fiction and is an activist and founder of a nonprofit for autism awareness.
Early life and education[edit]
Ryan studied journalism[1] at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[2] She worked on writing for non-profit organizations and non-fiction ghost writing before focusing on fiction.[3]
Career[edit]
Ryan's writing career focuses on contemporary romance novels noted for their emotional depth and portrayal of social issues.[4]
Ryan's "Hoops" series explores the lives of professional basketball players with its rights, and for her "All the King's Men" series, being acquired by The Traveling Picture Show Company (TPSC).[5]
In 2019, Ryan was the first Black author to receive the RITA Award[4] by the Romance Writers of America for Best Contemporary Romance for her novel "Long Shot," a recognition considered one of the highest honors in the romance writing community.[6][7] The novel was inspired by the domestic violence incidents around football player Ray Rice.[8]
In 2023, her bestselling novel Before I Let Go was in development at Peacock from UCP and Universal Television.[9]
Personal life[edit]
Ryan is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about autism, inspired by her personal experiences with her son.[10]
She has said Shonda Rhimes was an inspiration for her writing work.[11] Some other authors that Ryan has said inspire her include Tiffanie DeBartolo, Alyssa Cole, L.J. Shen, Nana Malone, Dylan Allen, Emma Scott, Kate Stewart, Amy Harmon, Helen Hoang, Andie Christopher and Talia Hibbert.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ Sickles, Dolly R. (2022-11-15). "For Kennedy Ryan, love isn't easy—that's what makes it so precious". BookPage | Discover your next great book!. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ Mahoney, Ashley (August 8, 2019). "Novelist Kennedy Ryan breaks down barriers with prize". www.thecharlottepost.com. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Kennedy Ryan". Yummy Mummy Club | yummymummyclub.ca. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ a b Veltman, Chloe (May 19, 2023). "Kennedy Ryan's romances are coming for your heartstrings". National Public Radio.
- ^ Lang, Brent (2021-04-09). "Kennedy Ryan's 'Hoops,' 'All the King's Men' Acquired by Traveling Picture Show Company (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ Brown, Janelle (1999-09-29). "Forbidden romance?". Salon. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Author Kennedy Ryan Talks Winning Prestigious Romance Novel Award". WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source. 2019-12-03. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Author Kennedy Ryan Talks Winning Prestigious Romance Novel Award". Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ Campione, Katie (2023-04-21). "'Before I Let Go' Adaptation In Development At Peacock From Universal TV & UCP". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Romance authors help to raise autism awareness". USA TODAY. April 1, 2015. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Exclusive: Kennedy Ryan on how Shonda Rhimes and 'Scandal' inspired her latest romance novels". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ Muncuff, Natalya (2019-08-22). "Interview: Author and RITA Winner Kennedy Ryan". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved 2024-05-20.