Aug
8
2:00 PM14:00
Signing, Reading

Sumayyah Beck celebrating the launch of AIRRELLE OF THE MAROON WITCHES

This is an IN-STORE EVENT with author Sumayyah  Beck celebrating AIRRELLE OF THE MAROON WITCHES. The event will consist of a 30 minute conversation, followed by a Q&A with the audience, and finally a book signing.

Kiki's Delivery Service meets Black Panther in this middle grade fantasy set in a richly imagined world where once-enslaved people have built an enchanted network of hidden witch communities.

Anyone can become a witch in Missen Dessalin. If you can find the Missen, that is. Some say the whole reason it was called a "Missen" is because it was a gathering place for those who wanted to stay missin'.

Twelve-year-old Airrelle Bookman, born and raised in Missen Dessalin by two witch parents, has been waiting for magic to call to her for years now. She just has to secure her four patron animals, complete four rites, master four skills, and pass the initiation ceremony. Then she'll be a fully confirmed maroon witch, able to fly beyond the walls of the Missen as she pleases. Just like her parents, older siblings, and best friend Hosniya.

When the time for her trial finally seems to arrive, so do familial troubles and threats to the very safety and secrecy of Missen Dessalin itself. But an ordinary girl from beyond the protected walls of Missen, one who has grown up in our own tumultuous and unenchanted world, may just be the key to Airrelle's troubles.

Informed by the history of maroon societies and inspired by the fantasy worlds of Studio Ghibli , Airrelle of the Maroon Witches is a beautiful coming of age story about a shy but resourceful girl discovering her own power.

Date: Sat, 8/8/2026
Time: 2:00pm
Place: Mysterious Galaxy Books
3555 Rosecrans St
Suite 107A
San Diego, CA 92110

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Jul
24
11:00 AM11:00
Talk, Panel

Comic-Con Panel: Youths Standing on Business

  • Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Tales of princesses and witches reimagined for today's young readers.

Panelists: LeYuen Pham (SDCC Special Guest), Sumayyah Beck (Airrelle of the Maroon Witches), Kim Bussing (Princess Swap), Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel), Petra Lord, Jennifer Lee (As I Dream of You).

Moderated by Becca Erin Title (Meet Cute Romance Bookshop).

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Jul
21
1:00 PM13:00
Lesson, Talk

Clarion Science Fiction & Fantasy Writer's Masterclass

Dancing About Architecture: Embracing Interdisciplinary Inspiration and the Influence of Other Art Mediums:

There's a saying that "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." The implication is that it's impossible to translate the nuances of one genre or medium into another, even as criticism. But what if that transformation is exactly the point? This session will explore how to lean into the strengths of the written word while taking influence from other artistic media, whether manga, movies, or music.

Free. RSVP

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Mar
27
7:00 PM19:00

Story Hour March 27:  Maya Beck and Ben Francisco

During these stir-crazy, cabin-fever, shut-in days and evenings, when we're trying to find new ways to entertain ourselves and each other, Story Hour goes back to basics, the oldest form of entertainment in history: people sitting around telling each other beautiful lies, spinning the fictive dream.
Every week, we bring you an hour of science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and weird stories, narrated by the authors. At least two complete stories, every Wednesday.
So come by, kick back, turn down the lights, and join us.​

Welcome to Story Hour.
Every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. PST/PDT

Event Recording Link

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Feb
21
6:00 PM18:00

Third Thursday: Afrofuturism

Join us for an evening curated by theater artist Junauda Alma Petrus that features poetry readings Nothando Zulu, Senah Yeboah-Sampong, Maya Beck, Nneka Onwuzurike, and Erin Sharkey. Live performances in the galleries by Destiny Anderson and Mimi (New Black City), Dua Saleh and Taylor Johnson. Collaborative art activity led by Donald Thomas and Zine-making with Million Artist Movement focused on Afrofuturism.

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