Storytellers of Comicpalooza
Comicpalooza is always full of storytellers from children’s authors, comic book creators, and science fiction and romantasy writers. Between the comic book and literature tracks and the various vendors showcasing their works, finding the next best read is as simple walking down the many aisles of creators.
Several writers were kind enough to talk about their work, inspirations, and how they maneuver grand tales of romance.
“I’ve always been a storyteller. My mom has a copy of a story I dictated to her when I was three. I love living in the heads of other characters and feeling empathy for them. I want readers to get to know my characters and understand why they are acting the way that they do but also feel a sense of escapism—like they are exploring a different world from our own.”
Andrea Stewart, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Drowning Empire trilogy and The Gods Below
“For me, storytelling gives you the opportunity to step into another universe and follow your imagination. My series blends multiple genres like science fiction and mystery while taking readers on a journey of an alien invasion in Austin, Texas. I tried to capture the authentic feel of the city while also including Easter eggs for locals.”
Stacy LP, author of Afterglow Rising from the Ashes
“My book centers around two sisters who happen to be witches who have to solve a series of murders happening in their small Appalachian town. I write in a world that is filled with supernatural creatures, but also takes place near where I grew up. I tried to capture the feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone and it is filled with crazy people who are amazing and really memorable.”
Jessica Raney, author of Root and Bone
“Our kids books address anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD. Our goal is to remove shame and help kids not feel alone. Our stories have themes of resiliency and show how differences doesn’t mean we have to hate each other, but it’s about how you communicate and stay friends.”
Lorraine Garrison, Psychologist and Co-Owner of The Little Brainstorm
“My graphic novel is about a werewolf that starts eating people at a furry convention. This story started as a way to keep myself busy during Covid lockdowns, but the project took a life of its own. It’s got humor and also addresses quarter life crises that a lot of people go through. There’s layers of jokes mixed between universal themes and local flavors.”
Rob Saucedo, author of the graphic novel Where Wolf
“I come from a film and TV background. To me, storytelling is everything—it allows us to talk about what matters most to us. Marvel and DC Comics media never felt personal, so being able to tell stories that are more personal allows us to connect. Our story Carmina combines worlds and mythology and the live-action film is in post-production.”
Mark Nazal, Co-Founder of Diwata Komiks
Panelists from Romantasy - More to Love than Just the Spice. A discussion of the trending genre taking the literary scene by storm.
From left:
“Writing the romantic box [for me] has contextualized romance in how the devil is in the details in terms of how much characters are willing to accept or not accept gestures or processing screw ups.”
- Ehigbor Okosun, author of Forged by Blood.
“Growing up on Bollywood, I’ve always been a romantic at heart. Writing romantasy has made me more aware of the gestures and words we use with the people we love.”
- Aparna Verma, author of The Phoenix King
“Writing romantasy has helped me consider my approach to relationships and mistakes in communicating. I’ve noticed it in characters I’m writing where even a friendship will bloom that I didn’t expect.”
- Nikhil Prabala, author of The Duchess of Kokora
“Hope is a common themes in my books. I have taken that and maintained positivity in my books with my characters because there is always a sliver of light somewhere if you look hard enough. I get asked if there is a happily ever after, and there is—but after the emotional circumstances are done.”
- Rose Garcia, author of A Shadow Falls
“I find romance to be very hopeful, but so much of what we write is fiction so I’m torn between what could be and cynicism.”
- Margo Bond Collins, author of The Alien’s Cruel Starfrost Domain
Comicpalooza is Houston’s premier pop culture event that includes celebrities, comic creators, cosplayers, and hundreds of vendors. What began with a small event in 2008 has grown into the best place for fans as more than 40,000 visitors attend annually.
Couldn’t attend this year? Visit https://www.comicpalooza.com to stay up to date on the 2026 event details.