On July 20, the Sammamish Library hosted a Teen Author Panel where three published young authors shared their writing journeys and tips to inspire others in the community. Taanvi Arekapudi, author of 'Uplift Teens Today,' discussed her emotional healing journey after relocating from Ireland to Seattle, highlighting the need for more teen voices in mental health literature. Sophie Hallali, a University of Iowa student, recounted her long-held dream of publishing her novel 'We Follow the Sun,' which blends fantasy with her creative aspirations from childhood. Amy Zhao, who has published seven books, explained her motivation to write stories featuring strong female protagonists in response to the lack of representation in literature. Each author provided valuable insights into their writing processes, addressing common challenges like writer's block and the importance of taking breaks.

The event not only celebrated their accomplishments but also encouraged attendees to pursue their own writing endeavors. By fostering an environment of creativity and open discussion, the panel aimed to uplift the voices of youth in the literary community, leaving the audience with actionable advice that the first step to writing is simply to begin.