Nancy B. Kennedy

Nancy B. Kennedy is a journalist and the author most recently of Women Win the Vote! 19 for the 19th Amendment, a middle grade nonfiction book released by Norton Young Readers (an imprint of W.W. Norton) in February 2020. Prior to her career in books, she worked in magazines and newspapers, including a stint as an editor for Dow Jones, publisher of the Wall Street Journal. 

 Twitter: NB_Kennedy

 Instagram: @nbkauthor

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

I chose to study journalism on the strength of the Watergate movie, “All the President’s Men.” It promised entry into an exciting career marked by Pulitzer-worthy exposes. Now that we know the informant, Deep Throat, was a disgruntled FBI lifer who snitched because he was passed over for promotion, the story isn’t such a clear morality tale. Still, I’m grateful it steered me into journalism.

What’s the oddest thing a reader has asked you?

A reader once approached me with one of my previous books to sign. She had driven an hour and a half to my book talk because her daughter had urged her to attend any talk she could find by Nancy Kennedy. Trouble was, the reader was holding a book by another author named Nancy Kennedy! 

Is there another profession you would like to try?

I’m a flute player and was once in the pit orchestra of a local opera company. I love pit orchestras! It’s like being a writer – the lights shine on the glamorous performers on stage, while you toil away in the dark below. Oddly, our practices were held at a Playboy Club. It was disconcerting to encounter the bunnies, but I loved the ladies room -- the lighting made you look like a model!

Do you collect anything? What, why and for how long?

I’ve started to collect stereopticon slides, because I have fond memories of viewing my grandparents’ slides as a child. Plus, they don’t take up much room! I look for scenes of exotic places and places I’ve visited. If people in the picture are in period garb, all the better.

What piece of clothing tells the most interesting story about your life?

I’m getting a kick out of dressing in a suffragette outfit to promote my book. It surprises me how happy I am wearing it. The swishing of a long skirt feels very feminine – and a skirt hides all the lumps and bumps that jeans emphasize!