With Halloween approaching, when would be a better time to talk about magic! This unique panel of authors will be your guide through the realms of all things magical! Perfect for writers, readers, or just those interested in the subject – it’s sure to be a spell-binding good time! Learn what magic systems they drew their ideas from, discuss how much magic is too much magic, and examine the question of when to ask the reader to suspend their disbelief! After the discussion panel wraps up, it’ll be time to ask all your questions and then you can browse their books and find your next read just in time for Halloween!

Now let’s meet the authors and their books!

Madeleine Elizabeth’s debut, Castle Witch, is best described as a closed door, slow burn, cozy fantasy romance, featuring a black cat meets golden retriever dynamic. The magic is heavily nature based, with evocative rhyming couplets to make up the spells. The sequel, Castle Wife, is currently underway! Madeleine herself is mom to three very busy boys and one very lazy dog.

Nicole is the mother of three daughters and the author of three books: Voted Most Likely, A Tangle of Dreams, and A Memory Made Real. The latter two make up her contemporary fantasy duology, which answers the question, “Where does magic come from?” Inspired by the scenic Superstition Mountains near her hometown Mesa, Arizona, this dual POV duology is filled with atmospheric magic and a wholesome first love story that is sure to make you swoon. 

Anni Sezate has a middle grade trilogy called The Aurella Trilogy following the story of a young witch who discovers her powers in a land hostile to her kind, and involves powerful, yet quirky characters, exploring themes of loyalty, friendship, and fighting for what's right. Book 1, Aurella the Witch, is described by Kirkus reviews as "A witty and enthusiastic tale about a powerful tween; a veritable delight.” Anni is an elementary school teacher turned writer and has read her books to her students every year since they were released. Her magic system is focused on mental and elemental manipulation.

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of five magical young adult fantasies, including the critically acclaimed Echo North, Wind Daughter, and Into the Heartless Wood. The magic of these books is rooted in fairytales – from talking wolves and enchanted libraries to bloodthirsty tree sirens and stories written in the stars, woven together with epic, sweet romances. Publisher’s Weekly praised Echo North as “…a compelling, satisfyingly romantic adventure…” while BookPage called Into the Heartless Wood “… a fantasy novel that packs an emotional punch…” and Booklist said Wind Daughter was “Breathtaking and beautiful”. Joanna lives in Mesa, AZ, with her husband and son, two cats, a giant grand piano, and a cupboard full of tea (the room full of books goes without saying).