Kathlyn Gay
Kathlyn Gay has been writing professionally since the day her daugher was born in 1957, selling her first article after she got out of the hospital. Now with over 100 books published, including “first readers,” middle grade and young adult books, encyclopedias, teacher manuals, and portions of textbooks, she still finds her life enriched by writing nonfiction work focusing on social and environmental issues, culture, and history. In recent years, she has collaborated (primarily by email) with family members across the country, sons Martin and Douglas Gay and daughter Karen Hamilton. She’s married to Arthur L. Gay, a retired educator. They have lived in Illinois, California, Indiana, and now Florida. Family members include two grandchildren, Nissa Beth Gay in California and Dakota Sandoval-Gay in Washington state.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
- The Nancy Drew books.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I’ve always liked putting words together in compelling sentences and being able to explain and dramatize factual matter.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Persist.
