Justine Pucella Winans (they, them, theirs)

Justine Pucella Winans is a queer and nonbinary writer who lives with their husband and incredible Halloween-colored cats. Their books include YA novels like the critically acclaimed Indies Introduce title, "Bianca Torres is Afraid of Everything," "One Killer Problem" and "How to Survive a Slasher." Their MG speculative horror titles include the acclaimed Stonewall Honor Book, "the Otherwoods" and "Wishbone." When not writing they can be found training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and actively avoiding real life scary situations.

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Awards: Stonewall Children’s Honor for THE OTHERWOODS

Communities: LGBTQ+

Writing Horror Stories: YA Workshop

Tips for writing horror stories that strike fear in the hearts of readers but also engage their hearts. Justine Pucella Winans is the author of "How to Survive a Slasher."

UA Library YA /Room 254 Main Floor (Seats 55, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Teen
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelist: Justine Pucella Winans
Moderator: Ann Parker
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Worlds of Words

A Touch of Mystery and a Sprinkle of the Unknown

Three bestselling authors talk about their new middle grade novels in which characters navigate mystery and friendship. Each tale involves a sprinkle of the unknown through a ghost, an unusual cat, and an ability to find the lost.

Education Room 351 (Seats 46, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelists: Ginger Reno, Jasmine Warga, Justine Pucella Winans
Moderator: Moanike'ala Kanae
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Heather and Stephen Caine

Horror Thrillers: Fear Meets Mystery

Prepare for the thrill of the unknown as mystery combines with horror. You do not want to sleep through this session! Join three bestselling authors of horror thrillers who will take you to the bitter end with slashers and the weight of blood.

YA Author Stage (Seats 84)  
Sun, Mar 16, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Teen
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelists: Alexa Donne, Tiffany Jackson, Justine Pucella Winans
Moderator: Amanda Becker
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Altrusa International of Tucson, Inc., Friends of Western Art, Pima Foundation

Books:

How to Survive a Slasher

Teen
Bloomsbury USA
March 2025
ISBN 9781547616312
304 pages

Wishbone

Children
Bloomsbury USA
September 2024
ISBN 9781547612574
304 pages