Picture two powerhouse authors joining forces to create a young adult romance phenomenon—meet Erin Watt! This pseudonym represents the dynamic duo of Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy, whose collaboration has birthed the addictive The Royals series, captivating readers with its drama, heart, and irresistible characters. With their knack for weaving hypnotizing plots, Erin Watt has become a beloved name in young adult literature.
But who are the masterminds behind the pen name? Let’s dive into the story of how two bestselling authors united to craft stories that keep fans up all night, eagerly flipping pages.
The Making of Erin Watt
Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy, both established authors in their own right, bonded over their shared love for storytelling and young adult fiction. Frederick, an American writer, had already enchanted readers with her New Adult novels like Unrequited Love, while Kennedy, a Canadian with a degree in English from York University, was winning hearts with her bestselling Off-Campus series. Their friendship, sparked by a mutual passion for books and football, led to a creative partnership that would redefine young adult romance. In 2016, they adopted the pseudonym Erin Watt to co-write The Royals, a series that blended their strengths into something truly magical.
Erin Watt’s Unforgettable Stories
Erin Watt’s flagship series, The Royals, is a five-book saga that follows Ella Harper, a resilient teenager thrust from poverty into the opulent, treacherous world of the Royal family. The first book, Paper Princess (2016), introduces Ella’s rags-to-riches journey, filled with romance, betrayal, and cliffhangers that leave readers breathless. Its sequels, Broken Prince and Twisted Palace, deepen the drama, while Fallen Heir and Cracked Kingdom shift focus to Easton Royal, delivering more angst and heart. The series has spent over 26 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, with Paper Princess and Broken Prince hitting #1 on the YA ebook chart.
Beyond The Royals, Erin Watt penned When It’s Real (2017), a standalone young adult novel about a teen rock star and a fake relationship that turns real, showcasing their versatility with a lighter, celebrity-driven plot. Their writing style is fast-paced, witty, and emotionally charged, blending spicy romance with family dynamics and high school drama. Fans adore their ability to craft flawed, magnetic characters and plots that feel like a soap opera you can’t stop watching.
The duo’s collaborative process is a key to their success. They brainstorm wildly, tossing ideas back and forth—sometimes over email, sometimes over football games—until a story clicks. Their love for tropes like enemies-to-lovers and guardian/ward romances shines through, making every page a rollercoaster of emotions.
Why Erin Watt Matters
Erin Watt has left an indelible mark on young adult romance, raising the bar with their addictive storytelling and complex characters. The Royals has been called “this generation’s Cruel Intentions” by Jennifer L. Armentrout, resonating with readers who crave drama and depth. By blending mature themes with relatable coming-of-age struggles, they’ve attracted a diverse audience, from teens to adults. Their self-published success, later picked up by Berkley, also highlights their entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring aspiring authors to take creative risks.
The collaboration itself is a testament to the power of partnership. Frederick and Kennedy’s synergy has not only produced bestsellers but also strengthened their solo careers, proving that two minds can create something greater than the sum of their parts. Fans eagerly await more from Erin Watt, hoping for new stories to lose themselves in.
- Pseudonym: Erin Watt is Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy.
- Key Works: Paper Princess, Broken Prince, Twisted Palace, When It’s Real.
- Genres: Young Adult, New Adult, Romance.
- Achievement: Multiple New York Times bestsellers.
Ready to get swept away? Snag Paper Princess and dive into Erin Watt’s addictive world of romance and drama!