There's something addictive about great Young Adult writing. For one, teenage protagonists make the stakes just feel a bit higher. Throw in some characters tackling edgy social situations and a bit of peer pressure, and we're hooked.
Saturday, January 28 is going to be a banner day for YA readers and writers alike, when the Phoenix Public Library and Changing Hands Bookstore team up to present two events: the Young Adult Writing Conference, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. and YAllapalooza 2012, 4 to 6 p.m. for teens and tweens at the same location.
The Young Adult Writing Conference will present eleven authors of young adult fiction, who will share their tips and tools for writing engaging tween and teen fiction.
Conference attendees choose from three of four informative sessions: "Unforgettable Characters," "Heroes and Villains," "Realistic Dialogue," and "Edgy Fiction." More detailed class descriptions can be found here. The Conference fee ($75 through January 19, and $85 if you buy your ticket from January 20 through 28) includes a box lunch, three of the four classes offered, and a panel discussion on the differences between writing for YA and Middle Grade audiences. Registration and pre-payment is required. To register, call (480) 730-0205.
The second event of the day, geared specifically to teens and tweens, is YAllapalooza 2012, a literary extravaganza for young readers from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burton Barr Central Library.
Attending Authors include Tom Leveen, Cecil Castellucci, C.J. Hill (aka Janette Rallison), Adam Rex, Robin Brande, Amy Fellner Dominy, Aprilynne Pike, Bree Despain, Anna Carey, Kiersten White, and James A. Owen.
Tweens and Teens are welcome to mix, mingle, and pick the brains of these YA Authors, as well as get books signed and enjoy pizza. Books from participating authors will be available for purchase from Changing Hands Bookstore at Burton Barr Central Library on the day of the event. No registration required.