Kennedy Ryan

Kennedy Ryan is the pen name of 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 Ryan wrote for her city's newspaper in her senior year of high school, then studied journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked on writing for non-profit organizations and non-fiction ghost writing before focusing on fiction.

Career Ryan's writing career focuses on contemporary romance novels noted for their emotional depth and portrayal of social issues.

In 2019, Ryan was the first Black author to receive the RITA Award 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. The novel was inspired by the domestic violence incidents around football player Ray Rice.

Personal life Ryan is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about autism, inspired by her personal experiences with her son.

Writing

Ryan likes to write stories that aren't the traditional happily ever after, saying "I'm going to write about neurodivergent people. I'm going to write about people with chronic illness. I'm going to write about people who are plus size. I'm going to write about people who may not see themselves in a traditional happily-ever-after but still deserve one."

Interviews are an important part of Ryan's writing process. 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.