Meet Kayden Grace Swan | Actor – Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayden Grace Swan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayden Grace, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When considering the creation of the Wilderness High book series, my thought process was driven by a desire to address the multifaceted challenges and experiences that high school students face—challenges that I personally encountered in my freshman year in 2022 and continue to deal with now as I enter my junior year.

High school is often a time of significant personal growth, but it can also be a time of overwhelming social pressures, identity struggles, and academic challenges. I wanted to create a relatable and engaging narrative that not only entertains but also has valuable life lessons.

Firstly, I reflected on my own high school experiences and those of my peers. The series draws heavily from these real-life encounters, capturing the dynamic and sometimes chaotic nature of teenage life. The choice to set the series in Wilderness High, a school personified as a jungle, symbolizes the unpredictable and often wild journey that high school represents. This metaphor allows readers to connect with the characters’ experiences and the environment they inhabit.

Each book in the series focuses on a different social or academic situation, highlighting diverse issues such as peer pressure, the need for acceptance, and the importance of embracing individuality. By addressing these themes, I aim to provide readers with a sense of solidarity and understanding, showing them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Hunter Faith Wilde, the protagonist, represents the courage to stand up for oneself, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the wisdom to understand that true belonging comes from being accepted for who you are. Her story is not just about fitting in, but about finding and cherishing authentic connections.

Through Hunter’s journey, I want to inspire young readers to embrace their uniqueness and to understand the value of genuine friendships and self-acceptance. The Wilderness High series encourages readers to navigate their own high school experiences with confidence and integrity, knowing that they can overcome challenges and find their place in the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kayden Grace Swan is a dynamic and multi-talented 16-year-old actress and author who has already made significant strides in the entertainment industry. Known for her versatility and passion, Kayden has built an impressive resume that includes notable roles on NICKELODEON, ABC, NBC, and HBO, as well as appearances in numerous commercials.

From a young age, Kayden demonstrated a natural talent for performing, captivating audiences with her charisma and skill. Her acting career began with commercial work, quickly leading to roles in popular television series. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters has garnered her recognition and admiration in the industry.

Beyond her acting achievements, Kayden has also made her mark as a writer. During the 2020 COVID-19 quarantine, she authored and self-published two books, “Word Smash” and “Text Smashages”. These works, written when she was just 13 years old, showcase her early passion for storytelling and her ability to connect with readers through engaging and imaginative narratives.

Kayden’s journey through high school was marked by the realization that the social landscape was much more complex and challenging than she had imagined. Listening to Brené Brown’s insights about courage, resilience, and the importance of finding one’s place, Kayden was inspired to address these universal themes through her writing. The result is a series that captures the essence of high school as an untamed wilderness, where survival requires emotional strength and authenticity.

Kayden’s latest project, the book series “Wilderness High,” further cements her status as a talented author.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re kicking things off with a trip to the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the waves. After that, we’re heading to an amusement park for some thrilling rides and fun. We’re also planning to eat our way through LA, with stops for the best sushi, a great smash burger, and delicious shakes.

To top it all off, we’ll spend our nights at home watching scary movies, doing our nails, and styling our hair. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, great food, and some much-needed chill time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In creating the Wilderness High book series, I owe a great deal of gratitude to the incredible women in my life—my mother, grandmother, and aunts. Their guidance and shared experiences have been invaluable, helping me navigate the many issues I faced when I entered my freshman year of high school. They offered me wisdom and support, which greatly influenced the themes and characters in my books.

Additionally, I was profoundly inspired by Brené Brown after listening to her on a podcast on braving the wilderness. Her insights sparked the idea that high school is much like a jungle, filled with challenges and adventures. This concept became the foundation of Wilderness High, shaping the narrative and bringing the story to life.

Website: www.wildernesshigh.com

Instagram: Kaydengraceswan

Other: The book series IG @wildernesshighschool

Image Credits
Kelly Charity