Lets Get these panels started!!

Discover a full day of inspiring conversations led by bestselling authors, comic creators, publishing professionals, and storytellers from across the literary world. Our panel lineup explores children’s literacy, visual storytelling, and the personal experiences that shape the stories we love. Join us for meaningful conversations, creative insight, and a warm community celebration of books and imagination.

**Panels are free and open to all festival guests. Seating is first come, first served.

11:00 AM – Children’s Literacy: Why Books Matter More Than Ever:

An inspiring conversation about the power of children’s books in shaping young minds, building confidence, and nurturing imagination. Learn how authors bring meaningful stories to life through a sense of wonder, and why early literacy continues to play an essential role in child development.

Featuring Panelist:

• Guest TBA
• Guest TBA
• Guest TBA

Moderated by:

12:30 PM – Comic Books & Visual Storytelling: A New Evolution of Creative Writing:

Explore the art and craft of visual storytelling with creators who bring characters to life through panels, pacing, color, and emotion. We’ll dive into how comic books blend writing and illustration to connect with readers of all ages — and how the medium continues to shape a new generation of storytellers.

Featuring:

• Dave Beaty – Award-winning and New York Times bestselling comic artist (Marvel, DC Comics, BOOM Studios)
• Frederick Littles – Founder of Wise Acre Comics, a Black and veteran-owned publisher championing literacy, and representation
• Additional guest TBA -

Moderated By:

1:45 PM – Stories That Shape Us: Exploring Character, Emotion & the Roots of Storytelling

A grounded conversation about story building, character creation, emotional drive, and the craft choices that bring writing to life. Authors discuss how imagination shapes their worlds, and how personal real-world experiences can sometimes unexpectedly, influence the direction, depth, and truth of the stories they tell.

Featuring:

• Panel Guest TBA
• Panel Guest TBA
• Panel Guest TBA

Moderated By:

Panel Host & Moderator: Jen Johnas

Jen Johans is a three-time national award-winning writer with more than twenty years of experience as a professional film critic, historian, and essayist. She is the creator and host of Watch With Jen, an acclaimed film podcast featuring authors, filmmakers, critics, and artists. One of Apple’s top film history podcasts, the show was named one of Vulture’s favorite podcasts of 2022.