Inside the Writer's Head

Inside the Writer's Head

By Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public LibraryEducationArtsBooksHow To
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Inside the Writer's Head episodes

  • Diana Ma

    In this podcast episode, 2026 WiR Intisar Khanani interviews Diana Ma. Diana is a Chinese American author who writes young adult and middle grade books that feature Asian American heroes.

    36 min
  • Jacquelyn Benson

    In this podcast episode, 2026 WiR Intisar Khanani interviews Jacquelyn Benson, an author who writes smart historical fantasy where strong women confront the stranger things that occupy the borders of our world.

    45 min
  • Loretta Chefchaouni

    In this podcast episode, 2026 WiR Intisar Khanani interviews Loretta Chefchaouni, an author of fantastical tales for teens and a former early childhood educator.

    28 min
  • Beverly Twomey

    In this podcast episode, 2026 WiR Intisar Khanani interviews Beverly Twomey, a local bookseller and middle grade fantasy author.

    29 min
  • Keila Dawson

    In this podcast episode, 2025 WiR Mary Kay Carson interviews Keila Dawson, a fiction and informational author of children's books.

    28 min
  • Jenn Bishop

    In this podcast episode, 2025 WiR Mary Kay Carson interviews Jenn Bishop, author of five middle-grade novels, including the Parent's Choice Gold Award winner, "Things You Can't Say."

    30 min
  • Carrie McCullough

    In this podcast episode, 2025 WiR Mary Kay Carson interviews Carrie McCullough, Ohio Central & South Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). SCBWI is widely recognized as the preeminent professional organization for children's book creators.

    33 min
  • Kathy Sebastian, Jill Keller, Clair Schroeder

    In this podcast episode, 2025 WiR Mary Kay Carson interviews Kathy Sebastian, Children's Librarian at the Miami Township Library, Jill Keller, Youth Librarian at the Covedale Library (formerly West End), and Clair Schroeder, Branch Supervisor - Youth Services at the Groesbeck Library. Mary Kay and the librarians discuss the Library's Summer Reading program and what kids are currently reading.

    45 min
  • Jennifer Sommer and Kerrie Hollihan

    In this podcast episode, 2025 WiR Mary Kay Carson interviews two regional children's book authors: Jennifer Sommer and Kerrie Hollihan.

    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, saw her take a turn into fiction—but it’s an idea she has had in mind for over 30 years.

    Hear from both authors as they read from their books and discuss the world of hybrid publishing with Carson.

    48 min

About Inside the Writer's Head

From the publisher's feed

Inside the Writer's Head podcast features conversations on books, writing, and creativity with The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-in-Residence. Season 11 is hosted by 2026 Writer-in-Residence Intisar Khanani.