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. Attend her upcoming workshops and writer office hours. Listen to her as host of CHPL's "Inside the Writer's Head" podcast.
In this podcast episode, 2026 Writer-in-Residence Intisar Khanani interviews Loretta Chefchaouni, an author and former early childhood educator.
About the Guest
A former educator from Florida, Loretta Chefchaouni’s fantastical tales turn grief and fear into myths and monsters. The Lustrous Dark, out May 19, 2026, is her debut novel. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, The Lustrous Dark is coined as being for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Guillermo del Toro.
Subscribe to Inside the Writer's Head and all of CHPL's podcasts by subscribing on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts. Attend Intisar’s upcoming workshops and writers' 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 Podcast: Loretta Chefchaouni