Fantastic, Horrific, and Mysterious Women: Panel on Female-Written Genre Novels

Fantastic, Horrific, and Mysterious Women: A Panel on the Emerging Dominance of Female-Led Genre Novels

This Halloween season, the Henderson Writers Group brings together five acclaimed authors who are redefining genre fiction. The genres range from blood-soaked horror and atmospheric dark fantasy to tension-filled whodunnits, expansive sci-fi worlds, and emotionally resonant romance. The panel will explore how women create complex, morally gray heroines and subvert traditional genre tropes. They'll also discuss navigating a shifting publishing market and the growing appetite for female-driven stories. The discussion ends with a live audience Q&A.

Moderator
Tonya Todd is a writer, actress, and sensitivity reader. She co-hosts Femme On Podcast and hosts HWG's Dime Grinds.

Panelists

Staci Layne Wilson (Horror): owner of WomenInHorror.com, novelist, and filmmaker; author of The Girl in Green
Mercedes M. Yardley (Dark Fantasy): three-time Bram Stoker Award winner and author of Darling and Pretty Little Dead Girls
Terri Maue (Mystery): author of the Zee & Rico mysteries Knife Edge and Dark Mirror
Diana Fedorak (Sci-Fi): retired U.S. Air Force Colonel whose debut, Children of Alpheios, swept the Firebird Book Awards
Mia Heintzelman (Romance): bestselling author of fun, flirty, and fiery romances, including Monopolove and The Friendship Contract

Schedule for Saturday, October 24, 2026

1:30 PM: Doors open
2:00 PM: Panel discussion, followed by audience Q&A
About 3:30 PM: Book sales, signing & networking with the authors
4:30 PM: Event ends

Location
Center for Creative Expression
1771 E Flamingo Rd, Bldg A, Suite 108A, Las Vegas, NV 89119
The building is accessible, with plenty of parking.

Tickets
Tickets go on-sale on October 1st and are $10 for HWG members and $15 for non-members, available at https://hendersonwritersgroup.com/product/fantastic-horrific-and-mysterious-women-a-panel-on-the-emerging-dominance-of-female-led-genre-novels/ or at the door. Every ticket includes one raffle entry for the authors' books & merch and one $5 voucher toward any one of the authors' books, redeemable at the event. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early!