Holly Kays works as a lead writer for Smokies Life. Formerly a journalist for The Smoky Mountain News, she earned 62 state and national awards during her news reporting career. Originally from Maryland, she is a graduate of Virginia Tech's creative writing and natural resources conservation programs. Holly is also the author of two books: Trailblazers & Traditionalists: Modern-Day Smoky Mountain People, which profiles some of the diverse people who call this region home, and a novel, Shadows of Flowers.