Nic Stone

Dear Martin

Contemporary

Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can’t escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates.

Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it’s Justyce who is under attack.

Nic Stone

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

You can find her goofing off and/or fangirling over her adorable little family on most social media platforms, or visit her website at www.nicstone.info/.

Schedule

Friday, October 19

10:00-10:45am • Keynote

Location: DSU Auditorium (1st floor, room 1071)

1:00-1:45am • Panel Discussion – The Instruments of Writing Believable Characters

Location: DSU Room 3023-25

Life imitates art. Or is it the other way around? We’re not sure how these authors feel about Oscar Wilde quotes, but we know their characters all like music. Listen as they discuss the tools they use to write relatable characters you’d want to share a playlist with in real life.

Along with these authors:
Sarah Nicole Smetana
Katie Cotugno
Brandy Colbert
Ashley Woodfolk
Alison Ashley Formento