Glenbard North sponsoring first Writers' Day

Glenbard North High School will play host to its first Writers' Day on Thursday, April 25, to introduce students to writers from a variety of genres and to demonstrate that writing is meant for much more than just what they do in their classrooms.

The keynote speaker is young adult author Nic Stone, author of "Dear Martin" and "Odd One Out." Stone will speak to students twice during the day and return at 7 p.m. for a Glenbard Parent Series event.

Several others also will speak:

• Jason Muhr is a freelance artist and illustrator who has worked on books for Marvel Comics, such as "Doctor Strange/Punisher," as well as "Voracious," a series he draws and co-created with Markisan Naso. He graduated from Glenbard North in 2001.

• Markisan Naso is the writer of the critically acclaimed comic book series "Voracious." He also is an editor and publishing expert who has managed and revitalized national publications such as Knowledge Quest and School Library Research for the American Library Association.

• Jason McNeil will discuss his journey as a comedian and the writing process behind his work. He graduated from Glenbard North with the Class of 1993.

• Kevin Pang, food writer and editor of "The Takeout," is a four-time nominee of the James Beard Foundation Award for journalism and a winner in 2010 for "The Cheeseburger Show." As a former magic shop demonstrator, he uses magic as a metaphor for his writing process.

• Jim Rodgers, a Glenbard North teacher, is the author of "The Old Guy Rules," "A Dog Story," the "Behemoth" series, "Ten Things I Wish I Knew About College" and several fitness books.