My YALC highlights!

Last weekend, I went to the Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) at London Film and Comic Con (LFCC). I would be here forever if I blogged absolutely everything, so I am going to just tell you my highlights of the weekend. This was really hard as I met so many lovely people that it was hard to choose who to include! All of the pictures are on my instagram if you’re interested.

I finally met Alice Oseman.

Many of you know will know that Alice is my favourite author. She was so lovely, and the panel she was on - YA: The Next Generation - was so interesting. I have my copy of Solitaire signed now, and this brilliant picture of the two of us - I’m going to have it printed and put on my bedroom wall.

I got my first ARC!

When I was scrolling through twitter on the beanbag chairs in the reading zone, I noticed that Kate Ormand was doing a giveaway of her upcoming book. The first person to ask her to join their circus would be given an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of her book, The Wanderers. I looked up, and Kate Ormand was stood against a wall, so I sheepishly went up to her and forgot what I had to say because I was so shy! But I said it, and she was so lovely. I’m reading it now and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you! 

Seeing Keris Stainton again

I absolutely adore Keris, I think she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I was so overwhelmed when she ran at me and hugged me on Saturday, because I knew then that our friendship was mutual. I am so lucky to know someone as amazing as her, and she kept checking on me over the weekend because I was rather ill (and still am, sadly).

Meeting Louise O’Neill

As soon as I found out Louise would be coming to YALC, I knew she was a priority to meet. I absolutely loved her book, Only Ever Yours, and now I have a signed copy to cherish forever. She was so nice, and she deserves all the love and recognition she is getting for her amazing book. I can’t wait to read Asking For It.

Meeting Carrie Hope Fletcher

I haven’t been a ‘Hopeful’ that long, but I was overjoyed to meet Carrie after not being able to go to her book signing in Birmingham. She signed my Elsa phone case, which has now been taken off my phone and is awaiting a replacement case. And she wanted to hold Pascal in the photo, which I think makes the picture even better.

Seeing Melinda Salisbury again

Mel is one of those people, that you don’t realise what you’ve been missing in your life until they’re standing right in front of you. She’s so witty, and such a wonderful role model (even if she is a Slytherin) - she gave me brilliant advice about my migraines and made me laugh out loud when she stood on a chair in the pub to make a point. I just love her millions.

Meeting Lauren James

I cannot wait for Lauren’s book, and she was such a sweetheart for sending me a signed bookmark for having already pre-ordered her book. After missing her a few times over the weekend, I finally got a chance to talk to her and have a picture, and she is so lovely. I hope we meet again in the future.

Seeing James Dawson again

I saw James on the Saturday, but didn’t get a chance to speak to him, so I queued to meet him on the Sunday. He was in an amazing cosplay, naked Dany from Game of Thrones, and he absolutely killed it. I love his humour, and being around him always makes me smile - we always have artistic photos together.

Seeing Non Pratt again

It’s always a pleasure seeing Non, this is our third meeting now and I was so overwhelmed when SHE recognised ME! We talked about how much I loved Remix, and she was shocked to learn my favourite band is Bon Jovi. Yep, I was born long after my time... But Non, you’re incredible and I can’t wait to see you again!

Seeing Alexia Casale again

I love Lexi, and it’s always so lovely to see her. It seems incredible to think I’ve only known her a year, and I get on with her better than people I’ve known my whole life. That’s how lovely Lexi is, she will be nice to anybody. And her costumes were amazing!

I narrowed it down to ten things or else we’d be here forever! Thank you to everyone who made it such an incredible weekend, it really took my mind off things and I was so happy to be in a community where I belonged!

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