Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
CHPL's 2026 Writer-in-Residence is Intisar Khanani, award-winning author of young adult fiction books. She’s also the host of CHPL's "Inside the Writer's Head" podcast.
In this episode, 2026 Writer-in-Residence Intisar Khanani interviews Ellen Scordato and Alyssa Jennette, literary agents from Stonesong Literary.
Listen to the podcast to learn about the publishing world and what budding writers should know about acquiring agents.
About the Guests
Stonesong is a literary agency representing a wide range of authors, genres, and books, with particular strength in lifestyle, nonfiction, health and wellness, personal development, popular culture, illustrated books, business, humor, and culinary. It has aa strong presence in children's, middle grade, young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Originally founded over 40 years ago by Paul Fargis, it has been owned by Alison Fargis and Ellen Scordato since 2002.
Upcoming Writer-in-Residence Workshop
The next Writer-in-Residence Workshop, "Writing Mighty Girls & The Heroine's Journey," is on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Cheviot Branch Library.
In this workshop, Intisar Khanani will unpack different forms of historically feminine strengths, from compassion and mercy to persistence and determination. Then, she will discuss the heroine's journey, as described by Gail Carriger in her book The Heroine's Journey for Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture.
This journey, in comparison to the traditional Hero's Journey, is about building community and networks of allies, and of finding strength together at the climactic moment.
Subscribe to Inside the Writer's Head and all of CHPL's podcasts on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts.
Attend Intisar Khanani’s upcoming workshops and writer office hours.
Funds to support the Writer-in-Residence program are provided through the generous donation of a private donor and The Library Foundation.
Add a comment to: Inside the Writer’s Head: Ellen Scordato & Alyssa Jennette