Teen Lit Author Panel: Terrifying Tales with K. Ancrum, Don Martin, and Markelle Grabo
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&A
Snacks provided
Get your books signed
Bring 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 Rainbow List selection and was praised by Kirkus Reviews for its authentic portrayal of his Appalachian roots. His diverse portfolio includes the nonfiction work Where Did Everybody Go? and The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft, along with his #1 Amazon LGBT poetry collection, while I wait to be a god again. Don hosts the Head On Fire podcast, conducting deep-dive interviews with experts in overlooked or misunderstood fields. He lives just outside Chicago with his husband and their many, many pets.
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For teens and adults.
Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.