Drumroll please lovely readers, because I have truly exciting news that I’m finally allowed to announce! You might have heard already if you’re up to date on all things YA, but Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman has organised YALC, the UK’s very first young adult literature convention, and me?
I’m in it.
YALC will take place at the London Film and Comic Con 2014 (LFCC). The two-day convention takes place on July 12th-13th, bringing together the UK’s YA publishers to provide a host of author events in a dedicated Book Zone, with talks, workshops, signings, a book sales area and publisher stands promoting new and upcoming titles. Here’s the initial list of authors that’ll be there –
• Malorie Blackman
• James Dawson
• Matt Haig
• Derek Landy
• Sophie McKenzie
• Patrick Ness
• Natasha Ngan
• Darren Shan
• Ruth Warburton
Yes. That is my name. Nestled there amongst – much bigger and greater – names such as Derek Landy and Malorie Blackman and Patrick Ness and Darren Shan is MY NAME. You know what I think about that?
I’m the only debut author on the list. It was such a shock to find out I’d be selected to appear – I mean, Malorie Blackman herself is curating the whole thing! – and it was definitely one of those times when I took a step back and realised, man, I’m actually a proper author now. Because the truth of the matter is, sometimes, sitting at home day after day, night after night, writing and writing and writing away, it’s easy to forget that. But this was just a lovely little moment that reminded me people out there are actually reading my words, and one of them might even be Mrs Malorie frikkin Blackman herself.
If you’re in London in July then you must must must come to the convention! I’d love to be able to meet some readers and, let’s face it, with the calibre of authors on the list I’m gonna need all the backup I can get! You can get tickets already right here. I’ll update you when I know exactly what I’ll be doing at the event, but until then – squeeeeeee! x
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