Repost: Virtual Road Trip: Texas & Book Festivals

I was asked to write a post about youth something unique to Texas that has to do with youth services. Well that took me less than two seconds! Below is what I wrote for YALSA:

You know that saying “Everything is bigger in Texas”? It’s true and when we talk about literary events for young readers and book lovers the saying couldn’t be more fitting. Devoted fans travel across the country, and teachers and kids pack in school buses at too-dern-early o’clock to spend the day with their favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors in Texas. There are more than just a few opportunities to discover new authors and series. Texas hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. Some are YA focused while others bring a mix of YA, middle grade, and picture books that are loved at every age.

Young Adult Keller Book Festival

Last week I was super excited to head up to Fort Worth for YAK Fest. I was honored to be asked to moderate the Reality Bites panel with none other than Andrew Smith, Christa Desir, Diana Lopez, and Kody Keplinger! Lucky for me I had read their books so I was able to spend some time asking them questions that I really wanted to know. We talked about thier pet peeves in writing (someone doesn't like alternating points of view and another slut shaming), the prom (Andrew is friends with his senior prom date on Facebook and Christa didn't go to prom), and of course about inspiration and process. Even though I did a lot of research I learned so many new things about all four authors. We had a great time!

Andrew Smith, Christa Desir, 

Diana Lopez, Me, and Kody Keplinger

YAK Fest (The Young Adult Keller Book Festival)

I am thrilled to be a very teeny tiny part of YAK Fest this year! My awesome friend Stacy from Girls in the Stacks kindly asked if I would moderate the Vampire Smackdown panel! Here is all the information you need so head on up to the Dallas area in a few weeks and join us!

WHEN: Saturday, January 19, 9am - 5pm
COST: FREE.

OPEN DOOR: Come when you can and stay for as long as you like, of course we want you there all day!
WHERE: Keller High School, 601 N. Pate Orr Rd. Keller, TX 76248
SOCIAL MEDIA: twitter / facebook / blog
https://twitter.com/YAK_Fest (#YAKFest13)
https://www.facebook.com/YAKbookfest
http://teacherweb.com/TX/KellerHighSchool/YAKFest/apt1.aspx
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Simone Elkeles, BAM. That’s what we’re talking about.