Stephen

Kiernan

Award-Winning Journalist & Nonfiction Writer

Acclaimed Novelist

Travels from: Burlington, VT

“Kiernan recreates the zeitgeist of America leading up to the atomic bomb on a national and personal level: the eager anticipation of wartime’s end, the grimly fascinating science, and the growing sense of guilt and dread. Simultaneously tender and hard-hitting, this riveting story offers much to reflect upon.” Booklist

As a journalist and novelist, Stephen P. Kiernan has published nearly four million words. His newspaper work garnered more than forty awards — including the George Polk Award and the Scripps Howard Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment.

Stephen’s newest novel is Universe of Two. He is also author of the novels The Curiosity (now in television series development), The Baker’s Secret (a regional Indie bestseller), and The Hummingbird. He has also written two nonfiction books, Last Rights and Authentic Patriotism. His work has been translated into many languages.

Stephen was born in Newtonville, NY the sixth of seven children. A graduate of Middlebury College, he received a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He has chaired the board of the Young Writers Project, served on the Vermont Legislative Committee on Pain and Palliative Care, and served on the advisory board of the New Hampshire Palliative Care Initiative. He has spoken and consulted around the country about hospice, palliative care and advance directives.

A performer on the guitar since he was ten years old, Stephen has recorded 3 CDs of solo instrumentals, and composed music for dance, the stage and documentary films. He lives in Vermont with his two amazing sons.

Stephen's Featured Titles

Hospice, Advance Directives, Palliative Care

Taking Charge: How to Give Your Life a Bodacious Final Chapter

Now More Than Ever: The Need and Demand for Hospice

Morals and Bombs

Authentic Patriotism: How America Can Overcome Partisanship and Rancor to Repair the Civic Fabric

Rev. Will Burhans, Lead Pastor of First Congregational Church
“Stephen Kiernan, author of Universe of Two, offered a remarkable evening to our church and wider community, a deep and engaging dive into the story of how the atomic bomb was built, the attendant guilt from one of its creators, and the surfacing of redemption that led him to build organs in churches across the world, one of which sits in our sanctuary. Our congregation loved his book and was abuzz for weeks after his talk with renewed appreciation for the incredible instrument that we hear each Sunday and for the heart of the Christian story – the way that beauty can arise out of horror. Amazingly, Mr. Kiernan was able to fully engage our diverse congregation from this unscientific pastor to the retired MIT professor sitting beside me and everyone in between. We all walked away moved and fascinated by the words, images, and sounds that Mr. Kiernan combined to engineer a talk that unpacked, opened up and made his story soar. It was quite simply the best author’s talk that I have heard. I am certain that congregations and other settings, especially those with Fisk organs, will not want to miss the opportunity to have him come speak.”

Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family
“Stephen Kiernan has pulled off the nearly impossible, reminding us by wrapping a war story in a love story that although we hold the power for our own extinction, we also have the power to redeem, heal, and save. The most tender, terrifying, relevant book you’ll read this year.”

Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour
“Rarely does historical fiction get everything so right as Universe of Two: compelling characters, faithful detail, a story packed with unexpected twists, and a sure, authentic voice that never wavers. In this novel of the dawn of the atomic age and its profound consequences, Stephen Kiernan leads us along a journey of conscience as complex and infinite as the science itself.”

Historical Novel Society
“A great read. . . . Stephen P. Kiernan writes with heart and humor . . . [and] manages to balance serious historical questions and ethical issues with lively characters, sharp dialogue, and marvelous historical detail.”

Stephen’s Upcoming Events

Stephen’s Music

Stephen’s News

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Scripps Howard Award Winner
George Polk Award Winner
Indiebound Indie Next Booksellers List

Media clips

Vermont’s Independent Voice | Season’s Readings – Author Stephen Kiernan Dispenses Book Recs

Radio Iowa | New book chronicles other life of man who helped with Manhattan Project

Burlington Free Press | For new novel, Stephen Kiernan delves into moral quandary of building the atomic bomb

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.