Discover a full day of engaging panel discussions and author conversations featuring bestselling writers, comic creators, illustrators, publishing professionals, and storytellers from across the literary world. Festival programming explores children’s literacy, visual storytelling, creativity, publishing, and the personal experiences that shape the stories we love.

Join us for thoughtful conversations, creative insight, and a community celebration of books, imagination, and storytelling at Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, January 30, 2027.

Panels and author conversations are free and open to all festival attendees. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

11:00 AM – Books Kids Love: What Makes a Story Connect?

Join a panel of children’s authors as they explore the choices behind creating stories for young readers, from humor, imagination, and memorable characters to illustrations, language, and the changing ways kids experience stories. Hear what authors have learned from writing for children, interacting with young readers, and discovering what can turn a simple story into a book a child wants to read again and again. The panel will feature: Kris Ann Valdez, Debra Pehrson Haun, and TBA

12:30pm PM – Truth, Fiction & the Stories Between

Where does truth end and imagination begin? Join a panel of authors whose stories draw from history, real-world experiences, research, and the unexpected possibilities of fiction. From reimagining the past to creating entirely new worlds, they’ll explore how writers decide what to keep, what to change, and when to let imagination take over. Discover how fact and fiction can work together to make the unbelievable feel real, and create stories that stay with readers long after the final page. The panel will feature: Amy True, George Moakley, and Troy Hillman.

2:00 PM – The Dark Side of Storytelling: Why We Love to Be Scared

Why do we willingly step into stories that frighten, disturb, and keep us turning the page? Join a panel of authors who explore the darker corners of storytelling—from horror and supernatural encounters to psychological thrillers, crime, and the fears hiding in everyday life. They’ll discuss what draws us to frightening stories, why some fears stay with us long after the story ends, and whether the things we imagine can sometimes be even scarier than what’s real. The Panel will feature: C.R. Allen, Heather D. Glidwell, and Vicki Nicholson.

Panel Host(s) | Moderator(s)

Guiding this year’s Main Stage conversations are three moderators who will help keep the discussions lively, engaging, and moving throughout the day. Each moderator will lead one of our featured author panels, bringing their own perspective to the conversation while giving our authors plenty of room to share their stories, experiences, and ideas. Moderators will include: J.M. Chrismer, TBA, and TBA