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�鶹Լ��’s Celebration of Storytelling Conference promotes a diverse array of authors and experiences while providing students with interactive opportunities to learn about writing, publishing and literature. Through insightful lectures and hands-on craft workshops, this daylong event features access to �鶹Լ��’s English faculty as well as an array of published authors. Keynote speaker and panelists for the 2026 conference are: 

• Anna Sortino, award-winning author of “Give Me a Sign,” “On the Bright Side” and “Stops Along the Way” 
• Katy Lipscomb, CEO and co-founder of Katy Lipscomb LLC, an award-winning freelance illustration company with clients including Adidas, Nintendo and Disney 
• Tyler Fisher, co-founder and operations manager of Katy Lipscomb LLC 
• Vicky Weber, bestselling children’s book author, literary agent, �鶹Լ�� alum and founder of At Home Author 
• Stephen Frech, �鶹Լ�� professor emeritus, poet and founder/editor of Oneiros Press 
• Nick Heeb, Author of “The Lucky Clover” and screenwriter for the short film “Rivals” 

Learn more about our featured speakers: 

Anna Sortino () is the award-winning author of “Give Me a Sign,” “On the Bright Side” and “Stops Along the Way.” Her stories center disabled characters living their lives and falling in love. She lives in Chicago with her dog. Anna’s books have won an ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor, the Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, and the Garden State Teen Book Award; earned starred trade reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books; were featured on “best of” lists for the New York Public Library, Boston Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Bookshop.org, Amazon, School Library Journal and Kirkus; and were picks for Target, Amazon, YALSA, Kids’ Indie Next, Indies Introduce, Junior Library Guild and NEA Read Across America; as well as selected for 20 state lists. 

Katy Lipscomb () is the award-winning illustrator and co-founder of Katy Lipscomb LLC, an internationally recognized brand known for vibrant, whimsical artwork that blends nature, fantasy and intricate detail. Her fluid compositions and bold palettes bring animals and fantastical creatures to life, capturing magic in the everyday. Katy has collaborated with major brands including Disney, Adidas, Winsor & Newton and Nintendo, and her work has appeared in publications such as NPR, ImagineFX, Time Magazine and Artists & Illustrators. She has received numerous accolades, including the PubWest Gold Award for Book Design, the SCAD Juror’s Selection Award and the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust Award. Based in the U.S., Katy continues to create original art for a wide range of clients, products and exhibitions, inspiring joy and creativity across the globe. 

Tyler Fisher () is co-founder and operations manager of Katy Lipscomb LLC, where he transforms original illustrations into licensable products, marketable designs and compelling digital content. With expertise in production, licensing and design, Tyler works closely with clients to ensure every project resonates across platforms, balancing artistic vision with business strategy. He has helped bring Katy Lipscomb’s vibrant, whimsical artwork to a global audience through collaborations with brands such as Adidas, Disney, Nintendo and Winsor & Newton. Tyler’s work spans product design, publishing and digital media, creating lasting value through innovation and creativity. 

Vicky Weber () is a �鶹Լ�� alum, literary agent, bestselling children’s book author and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality. 

Stephen Frech () has earned degrees from Northwestern University, Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Cincinnati. He has published four volumes of poetry, most recently “Into Night’s Tent” (River Glass Books 2020). He has a fourth volume, titled “A Palace of Strangers Is No City,” a sustained narrative of prose poetry/flash fiction, published by Cervena Barva Press. He has presented papers on modernism and modernist writers at MLA and the International Hemingway Conferences. Stephen is the Educational Leader at Unity Christian School in Decatur. He is professor emeritus of English at �鶹Լ�� University where he taught writing, literature and publishing classes for 20 years. 

Nick Heeb () is the author of the novel “The Lucky Clover”. His work has also appeared in South Dakota Review, BULL: Men's Fiction, and elsewhere. In addition to fiction, he has written for the screen, including "Rivals", which premiered at the LA Shorts Film Festival.