When Words Collide 2026

Educator and Big Five–published author Keenan Jones from the Twin Cities (Minnesota) shares his journey from standout basketball player to children’s author after a career-ending injury and a transformative creative writing class reignited his passion for storytelling; his debut picture book, Saturday Morning at the Shop (Simon & Schuster/USA&Canada), celebrates community and culture through a boy’s experience in his neighborhood barbershop, and in this session he will offer his personal story, practical advice for breaking into publishing, and insights on resilience and motivation as a marginalized creator, leaving attendees inspired and ready to pursue their own creative paths.