Panel Discussion: Writers on Writing: Beginnings

A Labyrinth and Library Collaboration

Acclaimed authors Amy Jo Burns, Anna-Marie McLemore, Dexter Palmer and Anica Mrose Rissi engage in conversation about the craft of writing.

In this first installment of the Writers on Writing series, the authors will discuss "Beginnings," including their best (and worst) techniques for finding their way into a story, the questions that shape both the project and the writer, and ways to not only begin, but continue. Intended for curious readers and aspiring writers of all genres.

About the Panelists:

Amy Jo Burns’s latest novel, "Wait for Me," was the Today Show Read With Jenna pick for March, 2026. She is the author of three other books, including "Cinderland," "Shiner," and "Mercury," which was a Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick, a People Magazine Book of the Week, and an Editor’s Choice selection in The New York Times. A western Pennsylvania native, she lives in New Jersey with her family.

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of thirteen novels, including William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist "The Weight of Feathers," "Wild Beauty," as well as "Blanca & Roja," one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. Other books include the Lambda Literary Award Finalist "Lakelore," "Flawless Girls," an ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project selection; and National Book Award longlist selections "When the Moon Was Ours," "The Mirror Season," and "Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix." Their adult debut, "The Influencers," was a People Magazine Best Book of April 2025 and one of The Today Show’s Best Books of May, 2025. Their latest YA novel, "We Could Be Anyone," has received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist.

Dexter Palmer is the author of three novels: "The Dream of Perpetual Motion," which was named one of the best debuts of the year by Kirkus Reviews; "Version Control," which was selected as one of the best books of 2016 by GQ and The San Francisco Chronicle; and "Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen," which was longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award in 2021.

Anica Mrose Rissi is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for kids and teens, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA. Her essays have been published by The Writer and The New York Times, and she plays fiddle in and writes lyrics for the band Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves. Anica grew up in Maine and spent many years in New York City, where she worked as an executive editor in children’s book publishing. She lives in central New Jersey with her very good dog, Sweet Potato.

Presented in partnership with Labyrinth Books.

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