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read up 2019
october 19, 2019
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2019 SCHEDULE
TIME
gunter theatre
Genevieve's
lobby
8:30 AM
- 9:00 AM
Word Up! Authors Coffee
(private event for students who participated in Word Up! Writing contest)
9:00 AM
doors open
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Key Note Address: Nicola Yoon
10:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
book signings
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Endgames People Play: Complex Heroes for Complex Times
Our favorite characters are not always the flawless good guys and girls they once were. We’re still looking for courage, but strategy and intellect are awfully exciting too. These writers talk about building smarter saviors for their stories.
Moderator: Traysie Amick Panelists: Cinda Williams Chima, Dhonielle Clayton, Jessica Khoury, Corrie Wang, Kate Williams
Strength in Survival: Writing through Adversity
These writers take on tough subjects, big struggles, and show us when it’s okay to not be okay. Awareness is the first step, and there’s nothing like a good story to help us understand.
Moderator: Anna Katherine Freeland
Panelists: Kathleen Glasgow, Jo Hackl, Mark Oshiro, Meredith Russo
Worth a Thousand Words: Graphic Novels Now
Graphic Novels have been around for almost 200 years and the fast-paced complexity of their modern counterparts is finally getting them the attention they deserve. These authors discuss the power of the panel and how graphic novels transform literature and lives.
Moderator: Stergios Botzakis Panelists: Chuck Brown, Constance Lombardo, Jason Walz
12:00 PM
- 12:30 PM
book signings
book signings
book signings
12:45 PM
- 1:45 PM
Fantastic Females: How New Worlds Offer New Heroines
The days of the princess awaiting her rescue are over. Today's fantasy and sci-fi heroines are strong and diverse, capable and complicated. Find out how these women writers get their characters to take shape and take on whatever comes their way.
Moderator: Jill Criswell Panelists: Cassie Beasley, Cinda Williams Chima, Susan Dennard, Kim Liggett, Meagan Spooner
Creating Comics
Chuck Brown, Constance Lombardo, Jason Walz
They say it’s better to show than tell! Come draw alongside some amazing comic creators as they demonstrate their artistic process, while you create your own comics to take home.
1:45 PM
- 2:15 PM
book signings
2:15 PM
- 3:15 PM
3:15 PM
- 3:45 PM
We're Here For It: Modern Love Connections
These authors are making match ups that reimagine traditional representations of teenage romance. And we can’t get enough.
Moderator: Catherine Jones Payne
Panelists: Donna Cooner, Meredith Russo, Meagan Spooner, Nicola Yoon
book signings
Standing Up, Speaking Out: Social Activism in YA Fiction
In the words of Malala Yousafzai: “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen, can change the world.” These writers talk about why their characters take on the system and fight for change.
Moderator: Emily Martin Panelists: Joelle Charbonneau, Dhonielle Clayton, Lori Goldstein, Kim Liggett, Kekla Magoon
Savage Skills: Adventures in Middle Grades
Come hear how a sense of adventure inspires these middle grade writers as they send readers into the face of danger with young protagonists who have what it takes.
Moderator: Adrienne Burris Panelists: Cassie Beasley, Jo Hackl, Jessica Khoury, Sarah Mlynowski, Allison Varnes, Alicia D. Williams
book signings
book signings
3:45 PM
- 4:45 PM
You Too Can Write a Novel, in 859 easy Steps: Thoughts on the Writing Process
It’s a long way from keeping a notebook in your back pocket to finishing a first draft. Or is it? These writers tell how they got started and what keeps them going.
Moderator: Adom Appiah Panelists: Susan Dennard, Kekla Magoon, Sarah Mlynowski, Allison Varnes, Kate Williams
The Skin I'm In: Seeing Your Truth in Fiction
Today’s best novels illuminate real-world challenges with transparency and sensitivity. Hear from authors who break down boundaries and biases with their work.
Moderator: Christina Fuller-Gregory
Panelists: Matt de la Peña, Kathleen Glasgow, Mark Oshiro, Alicia D. Williams
Instafamous/
Instablameus: How We Navigate a Hyperconnected World
Come hear how a sense of adventure inspires these middle grade writers as they send readers into the face of danger with young protagonists who have what it takes.
Moderator: Kate Beasley Panelists: Joelle Charbonneau, Donna Cooner, Lori Goldstein, Corrie Wang
4:45 PM
- 5:15 PM
book signings
book signings
book signings
5:15 PM
- 6:15 PM
Key Note Address: MATT DE LA PEÑA
6:15 PM
- 6:45 PM
book signings
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Plaza - Read Pup and Food truck
2019 AUTHORS

panelist
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