Kevin Don Porter, a Maryland writer, reporter and book coach, will talk about creating diverse characters at 7 p.m. Aug. 26.

Porter is the author of two mystery books and Missing, a young adult novel about a 10-year-old Black boy obsessed with a missing girl.

“There’s a myth that Black boys don’t read, and as a result, there aren’t many Black boys featured as viewpoint characters,” Porter says. “While I didn’t write the novel for the sole purpose of dispelling this myth, I’m hoping that I contribute to its demise. Missing is a story that I believe will greatly resonate with today’s readers – youth and adults alike, regardless of race."

Porter’s talk is one of several upcoming SCWA discussions that will focus on diversity and storytelling.