With November coming to a close, campus is busier than ever with libraries full of students working on final assignments and studying for exams. This part of the year is always hectic, but we hope you’re finding the time to take care of yourself too!
YAing Updates
Here’s what Young Adulting has been up to since the last newsletter:
- “With dreamy illustrations in shades of white and grey, Call Me Bill presents an intimate look at real-life sailor Bill Armstrong, a gender non-conforming adventurer at heart who sought nothing more than to be accepted for who he was.” Jade Courchesne reviews Call Me Bill by Lynette Richards. Jade will also be interviewing Lynette Richards in the coming months, so please stay tuned!
- In our November author spotlight, we interview Liselle Sambury, author of fantasy novels Blood Like Magic and Blood Like Fate. Liselle talks writing inspirations, upcoming releases, and industry tips for emerging writers:
“The advice I would give is to read a lot of the recent books coming out (don’t just rely on the mega hits you read years ago) and to give yourself permission to take the time you need for your story. I think it can be easy to be impatient to publish. I’m an impatient person myself. But I had the best success when I took the time to make my story the best it could possibly be before attempting to acquire literary representation or seek publication.”
5 Questions for Liselle Sambury
Stay on the lookout for more great reviews and interviews over the coming weeks!
Industry News
Diaspora Dialogues is launching an Open Call for Kid Lit Submissions! This opportunity allows picture book submissions from emerging writers for feedback and access to professional development workshops. This opportunity is open from now until November 30 at 11:59pm! Check out their website for more information.
The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE is happening now in Anaheim, California! ALAN works to promote community for individuals who have a special interest in adolescent literature, and their annual conference features authors who are (and are scheduled to be!) featured in reviews and interviews on our site including Liselle Sambury, Tracy Deonn, and Chloe Gong! ALAN is currently posting live updates on their social media with writing advice and quotes from the panels.
Additionally, NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) has just wrapped up! While a great resource for teachers of young learners, this convention also has tons of opportunities for young adult and children’s book enthusiasts to get involved! Many publishing houses set up booths, some of which still have available, virtual booths you can attend. Check out the virtual booths from Hachette Book Group and Penguin for teaching tips, author showcases, booklists, and free e-galleys (digital, advanced reader copies of upcoming releases).
As always, please do send us your news related to children’s and young adult literature at young.adulting@ubc.ca so we can feature them in future newsletters. Our newsletter is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. And remember to keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram!
Take care, and happy reading!
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 