Teen Lit Author Panel: Terrifying Tales with K. Ancrum, Don Martin, and Markelle Grabo

About this event

Adults: 18 and up, Teens: 13 to 19 years. Ever wondered how to actually write a book or get published? Come hear from authors K. Ancrum, Don Martin, and Markelle Grabo as they talk about their writing journeys, share advice, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be an author! Author panel + Q&ASnacks providedGet your books signedBring your questions! Whether you’re already writing or just wondering where to start, this is your chance to learn from published authors. K. Ancrum K. Ancrum is an author of speculative contemporary Young Adult Fiction. She is best known for the LAMBDA award winning ICARUS and the National Book Award nominated THE CORRUPTION OF HOLLIS BROWN. K. is a Chicago native who is passionate about reflective representation in young adult fiction, and exploring the edges of what is possible within her chosen genre. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Chicago Art Institute. Markelle Grabo Markelle Grabo retells the fairy tales that frustrate her, which, based on that guideline, could include nearly all of them. Her latest book, The Redwood Bargain, is a gothic fantasy inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Downton Abbey. Her first novel, the award-winning Call Forth a Fox, is a cozy fantasy retelling of “Snow White and Rose Red.” Both YA novels are steeped in woodsy atmosphere and sapphic yearning. Markelle earned her MFA from Hamline University and lives in the Greater Chicago Area with her husband and two very fluffy cats. Don Martin Don Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling author whose work spans young adult fantasy, nonfiction, and poetry. He is best known for his critically acclaimed debut YA novel, Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire (2025), which earned starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness. It was also a Common Sense Selection and was named one of Common Sense Media’s Best Books of 2025. The novel was further honored as a 2026 ALA Ra