Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
CHPL's 2025 Writer-in-Residence is Mary Kay Carson, award-winning author of children’s nonfiction books. Attend her upcoming workshops and writers' office hours. And listen to her as host of CHPL's "Inside the Writer's Head" podcast.
In this podcast episode, 2025 Writer-in-Residence Mary Kay Carson interviews two regional children's book authors: Jennifer Sommer and Kerrie Hollihan.
About the Guests
Originally from Lexington, KY, Sommer currently lives in Dayton, OH. Hear Sommer read from Her Eyes Were on the Stars, her debut award-winning picture book. Sommer received degrees in Political Science as well as Interior Design and Architectural Technology before earning her Masters in Library Science. After two decades working as a children’s librarian, she returned to university to earn an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Hollihan is the award-winning author of nine nonfiction books for kids and teens. Her latest chapter book, Avery's Pumpkin, was a turn into fiction—but it’s an idea Hollihan has had in mind for over 30 years.
Hear from both authors as they discuss the world of hybrid publishing with Carson.
Subscribe to Inside the Writer's Head and all of CHPL's podcasts by subscribing on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts. Attend Mary Kay’s upcoming workshops and writers' office hours.
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