Romance Writer Kennedy Ryan’s Pen Name Has Its Own Meaningful Story

Bestselling author Kennedy Ryan has taken to Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, “Open Book with Jenna,” to unravel the intriguing story behind her literary pseudonym. In an episode aired on June 25, she delved into how her pen name came to be and what it means personally for her.

Ryan, who has garnered acclaim for her works, shared that the decision to adopt a pseudonym was driven by professional necessity. While discussing her first book deal, Ryan explained that due to company policy, she was unable to publish under her real name. “There was an HR department, and you had to take anything that you were doing outside of the company to them,” she recalled. “When I told them I had a book deal, they insisted I write under a pseudonym to keep my professional life separate from my writing career.”

The choice of the name Kennedy Ryan holds deep significance for the author. “I had always wanted a daughter, and while my family is complete with my son, I had envisioned naming her Kennedy Ryan,” she explained. Thus, when prompted to choose a pseudonym, she knew exactly the name she wanted to adopt. This personal connection adds layers of meaning to her literary identity.

At home, however, Ryan’s family refers to her by her legal name. Interestingly, her husband has been making an effort to adjust to her pen name as her upcoming book tour approaches. “He’s been practising calling me Kennedy more often,” she said with a chuckle. “He’s like, ‘Oh my God, you’re about to go on tour and you’re going to be Kennedy.’ And I’m like, ‘Babe, it’s not that serious.’”

Ryan appreciates the benefits of maintaining a certain degree of separation from her public persona. “I like a little distance,” she admitted, acknowledging that while she is candid about her mental health and experiences, there are aspects of her life that she prefers to keep private. This divide allows her to retreat into her personal life without the weight of public expectations.

This year has proved to be particularly busy for Ryan. In April, she announced that her novel “Before I Let Go,” the first in her beloved Skyland romance trilogy, is set to be adapted into a television series. Additionally, she launched “Score,” a new entry in her Hollywood Renaissance series, in May.

In discussing her work, Ryan emphasised her commitment to telling deeply intersecting stories. She aims to focus on underrepresented characters, stating, “I really like to centre women who are often relegated to the periphery of cultural narratives.” Her books feature diverse characters, including women battling lupus, those who are amputees, and individuals living with bipolar disorder, neurodivergence, and various body types. “I want to push those stories to the centre,” she asserted.

The overarching theme in Ryan’s writing is one of acceptance and love, as she seeks to convey a simple yet powerful message: everyone is worthy of love and radical acceptance. “When you find that person, they will love you outrageously and accept you completely,” she shared. Ryan passionately believes that, regardless of one’s background or struggles, everyone deserves a joyful ending.

Listeners are encouraged to follow her journey as she continues to share her powerful stories with the world, reminding us all that love, acceptance, and joy are universal rights. As Ryan continues to craft compelling narratives, her dedication to amplifying voices that have been historically overlooked resonates deeply with her readers.

With numerous projects on the horizon and an unyielding commitment to her storytelling craft, Kennedy Ryan proves that her literary contributions are just beginning to flourish. As readers and fans look forward to what she will offer next, her message of acceptance remains a beacon of hope for many.