HoCoPoLitSo works with the Howard County Public Schools System to provide a writer-in-residence for high schools. The Bauder Writer-In-Residence visits each of the county’s high schools over the course of the school year to work with students in writing workshops.

HoCoPoLitSo is pleased to announce that its long-standing Bauder Writer-in-Residence and school programs are now significantly supported by a generous endowment from Dr. Lillian Bauder, community leader and resident of Columbia known for investing in educational access and advancement. Since the 1960’s, Lillian and her late husband Don have been engaged in civil rights and social justice efforts, and have supported the arts.

Meet the 2026 – 2027 Bauder Writer-In-Residence: Leslye Penelope

Leslye Penelope is an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Her first novel, Song of Blood & Stone, was chosen as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. The novel also won the inaugural award for Best Self-Published Fiction from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association before it was picked up for publication by St. Martin’s Press. Her novel The Monsters We Defy won the 2023 Audie Award for Best Fantasy Audiobook.

She’s the host of the long-running podcast My Imaginary Friends, where she shares insights on the writing life and craft. She also speaks and teaches on topics ranging from worldbuilding to revision to time management for writing groups and conferences around the country.

With a background in web development and years of experience in both traditional and self-publishing, Leslye brings an accessible approach to writing speculative fiction. Her workshops and newsletter, Footnotes for My Imaginary Friends, have helped thousands of writers bring their stories to life. Whether mentoring new authors or discussing the intersections of magic, culture, and identity, Leslye is passionate about helping others embrace their creative voice.

List of Writers In Residence by Year

• 2025-2026 — Karen Outen – novelist, professor
• 2024-2025 — Tope Folarin – essayist, novelist, reviewer
• 2023-2024 — Hayes Davis – poet
• 2022-2023 — Regie Cabico – poet
• 2021-2022 — Naomi Ayala – poet
• 2020-2021 — Steven Leyva – poet, anime enthusiast
• 2019-2020 — Teri Ellen Cross Davis – poet
• 2018-2019 — Alan King – poet
• 2017-2018 — Joelle Biele – poet
• 2016-2017 — Daniel Johnston – playwright
• 2015-2016 — Laura Shovan – poet
• 2014-2015 — Joseph Ross – poet
• 2013-2014 — Jenny O’Grady – poet, artist
• 2012-2013 — Derrick Weston Brown – poet
• 2011-2012 — Sandra Beasley – poet
• 2010-2011 — Marion Winik – essayist, novelist, professor
• 2009-2010 — Terence Patrick Winch – poet, musician
• 2008-2009 — Elizabeth (Liz) Reese – poet
• 2007-2008 — Truth Thomas – poet, musician
• 2006-2007 — Gayle Danley- slam poet
• 2005-2006 — Kendra Kopelke – poet, professor
• 2004-2005 — Dr. Michael S. Glaser – poet, editor, professor
• 2003-2004 — Jean Nordhaus – poet
• 2002-2003 — Grace Cavalieri – poet, editor, radio host
• 2001-2002 — Reuben Jackson – poet, curator
• 2000-2001 — Lybumir Nikolov- poet, journalist
• 1999-2000 — Edgar Gabriel Silex -poet
• 1998-1999 — Barbara Goldberg –poet, writer
• 1997-1998 — Michael Collier – poet, professor
• 1996-1997 — E. Ethelbert Miller – poet, editor, director
• 1993-1994 — Li Young Li – poet
• 1992-1993 — Michael Dirda – editor
• Earlier — Lucille Clifton, Roland Flint

Founded in 1974, HoCoPoLitSo is a community-based, non-profit organization that presents inclusive and accessible readings and other literary events for the general public. Each year, HoCoPoLitSo partners with HCPSS to provide a writer-in-residence visit at each of the county’s public high schools, Homewood Center, and HCC. This program is made possible with the generous support of local philanthropist, Dr. Lillian Bauder.

To learn more or to schedule a visit to your class, please contact HoCoPoLitSo’s High School Liaison, Judy Young, at judy_young@hcpss.org, or reach HoCoPoLitSo staff at info@hocopolitso.org or by phone, 443-518-4568.  More information on other upcoming events and opportunities to get involved in your local literary community can always be found at hocopolitso.org, and we hope you will join us!