Picture an American storyteller who danced her way from jazz-filled stages to the pages of gripping historical fiction—meet Denny S. Bryce! This bestselling, award-winning author brings the past to life with vibrant tales of resilience, love, and identity. Her debut novel, Wild Women and the Blues, set in 1920s Chicago, hooked readers with its blend of jazz, ambition, and heart. A former dancer and PR powerhouse, Bryce’s multifaceted career infuses her stories with a unique flair that’s earned her a devoted readership and critical acclaim.
The Making of Denny S. Bryce
Born on December 2 in Uhrichsville, Ohio, Denny S. Bryce grew up with a love for history, sparked by her Jamaican-born grandmother, Ella Elizabeth Joseph, who shared tales of America’s past. Before writing, Bryce dazzled as a professional dancer and part-time singer, gracing stages with her vibrant energy. She later pivoted to a 20-year career in public relations, running a successful marketing and event management firm. Her creative spark reignited through writing fan fiction for shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, paving the way for her leap into original fiction.
Denny S. Bryce’s Unforgettable Stories
Bryce’s historical fiction shines with richly researched settings and courageous, flawed heroines. Her debut, Wild Women and the Blues (2021), weaves a dual-timeline tale of a 1920s chorus girl and a modern-day film student in Chicago’s jazz-soaked Bronzeville. Critics praised its evocative prose and gritty glamour, with Oprah Daily noting the music that “pours out of the pages.” Her second novel, In the Face of the Sun (2022), follows a 1960s road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, tackling themes of abuse, forgiveness, and family ties across two eras.
The Other Princess (2023) marks Bryce’s first biographical fiction, vividly imagining the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a Yoruba princess and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. This novel showcases Bryce’s knack for blending historical fact with emotional depth. Co-authored with Eliza Knight, Can’t We Be Friends (2024) explores the surprising friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, earning praise for its fresh take on iconic figures. Bryce’s style—cinematic, heartfelt, and steeped in African American and Black experiences—makes her work a standout in the genre.
Why Denny S. Bryce Matters
Denny S. Bryce’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate underrepresented voices in historical fiction. Her stories celebrate Black resilience and complexity, resonating with readers who crave diverse narratives. As a member of the Historical Novel Society and an NPR book critic, she amplifies new voices in literature. Awards like the RWA Golden Heart and the Go On Girl Book Club’s 2021 New Author of the Year honor her contributions. Bryce’s work invites readers to see history through a vibrant, inclusive lens, making her a vital voice in modern fiction.
About Denny S. Bryce
- Born: December 2, Uhrichsville, Ohio
- Key Works: Wild Women and the Blues, In the Face of the Sun, The Other Princess, Can’t We Be Friends
- Awards: RWA Golden Heart Winner, Go On Girl Book Club 2021 New Author of the Year
- Fun Fact: A former dancer, Bryce once wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan fiction!
Ready to jazz up your reading list? Snag Wild Women and the Blues and dive into Denny S. Bryce’s soulful historical fiction!