Denise Kiernan

Denise Kiernan is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and producer known for her narrative nonfiction and expertise in American history. For more than two decades, Kiernan's work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, and other major publications. She has also worked in television, serving as head writer for ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" during its Emmy Award-winning first season and producing for outlets such as ESPN and MSNBC. Additionally, Kiernan has authored several popular history titles and has ghostwritten books for athletes, entrepreneurs, and actresses.

Kiernan's breakthrough book, "The Girls of Atomic City," established her as a leading voice in historical nonfiction. "The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II" explores the top-secret town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the young women who contributed to the atomic bomb project. The book received the American Political Science Association's Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award for best book published in the United States on government, politics, or international affairs, and was named one of Amazon's Top 100 Best Books. It is available in multiple languages.

Following this success, Kiernan published "The Last Castle," a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. "The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home" examines the history of the Biltmore Estate. The book was a finalist for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award and the Southern Book Prize. Kiernan also authored the "We Gather Together" series, which explores American history through the lens of gratitude and tradition. The series includes a young readers edition and the companion children's picture book "Giving Thanks."

Kiernan's work continues to recover overlooked voices from American history. Her book "Obstinate Daughters" offers a chronicle that challenges traditional narratives of the nation's beginnings and highlights the women behind the American Revolution. Kiernan has co-authored several history titles, including "Signing Their Lives Away," "Signing Their Rights Away," and "Stuff Every American Should Know." She is the host of "CRAFT: Authors in Conversation," a platform for writers to discuss the craft of storytelling.

Throughout her career, Kiernan has been a featured guest on radio and television programs, including NPR's "Weekend Edition," PBS NewsHour, MSNBC Morning Joe, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. She has spoken at high schools, universities, bookstores, corporate events, book festivals, presidential libraries, and town halls, sharing stories of everyday people overcoming challenges in her educational talks.