The Northern Young Adult Literary Festival
Greenbank Building, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE
22nd July 2023
Click here register for General Admission. This ticket is required to access the venue.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here and keep up to date on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
NYALitFest 22nd July 2023
Booking is essential
Please register for General Admission to access the venue.
Saturday 22nd July NYALitFest
9.30 am – Doors Open. Please register at the UCLan Publishing Stall upon entry.
10 am – 10:45 am Get Into Publishing Panel (Liz Scott, Alexa Gregson Kenmuir, Becca Parkinson and chaired by Georgina Bulga).
Publishing professionals living and working in the North chat about routes into publishing and having a career outside of London.
Speed Pitch YA MOVED ONLINE
Are you an aspiring author? Perhaps you’ve already completed your first draft? If so, NYALitFest are offering you a very unique opportunity to pitch to UCLan Publishing.
You’ll get the chance to speak directly with Publisher, Hazel Holmes. You could pitch your ideas or ask advice. Have your questions or pitches planned though – you’ll only have 5 minutes!
Time slots will be confirmed after booking.
11 am – 12pm – Careers Advice with Alexa Gregson Kenmuir
This year we are offering free 1:1 CV advice to help aspirational publishers with their publishing CV. Our Course Leader and Senior Lecturer, Alexa Gregson-Kenmuir, has helped numerous students get into industry and also has experience working in careers and recruitment. We are offering 10 minutes slots at the UCLan Publishing Stall.
11 am – 11:45 Demystifying The Author Journey (Danielle Jawando, Diana Anyakwo and chaired by Ashley Thorpe). Followed by a signing.
12 pm – 1pm Being You (Josh Silver, Malcolm Duffy, Nathanael Lessore, Sara Barnard and chaired by TBC). Followed by a signing.
1:30pm – 2:15 pm The Sinister and The Strange (Laura Steven, Cynthia Murphy, Melissa Welliver and chaired by Amy McCaw). Followed by a signing.
2:30- 3:15 pm You Cannot Be Serious?!? (Katie Clapham, Dee Benson and chaired by Anika Hussain). Followed by a signing.
KIDSLitFest 22nd July 2023
10 am – 10:45 am – Lucy Ann Unwin (Workshop followed by signing)
Ease yourselves into a day of creativity by joining The Octopus, Dadu and Me author, Lucy Ann Unwin, for her Octopus True or False Fact Quiz. Learn how the biggest octopus compares to the biggest giraffe, why the blood of our cephalopod friends is blue, and the slightly disturbing body part you might not realise an octopus has!
Lucy will then share the amazing octopus comics created for The Octopus, Dadu and Me by illustrator Lucy Mulligan. We can create our own comics together after looking inside an animal’s mind, and thinking about animals we know and love ourselves and what they might be thinking…including Lucy’s own pet tortoise Frida.* (*Frida will not be making an appearance in person.)
11 am – 12 pm – Liz Flanagan (Workshop followed by signing).
Liz Flanagan will talk about her new Wildsmith series (illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton). She will describe how she drew on her own experience of fostering cats and her love of wild places when writing these stories. Then she will lead children through a series of accessible exercises to inspire new ideas. These steps invite children to imagine a new story using material from their own lives: we are all Storymakers!
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm Daniel Dockery (Workshop followed by signing).
Seeing Things from the Other Side
Daniel will talk about stories and who in them are the hero/heroines and who are often the enemies. You’ll look at how important it is in stories to understand how each character, not just your hero/heroine needs something. You’ll examine this through Wendington Jones and The Missing Tree and through your examples.
Then, using your examples, you’ll see if you can understand the story through the enemies eyes. Can we re-tell things from the other side? You’ll end by reforming our initial stories, or rethinking them to be able to think of all sides, and understand that each person, in each story needs to be understood. With a focus on Empathy, this workshop encourages budding young writers to see things from the other side.
1:30 pm – 2:30 Dom Conlon (Workshop followed by signing).
Ever thought about building your own spaceship? Or how you’d talk to aliens? How about simply looking up at the sky and understanding a little of what’s going on in the vast cosmos? Dom Conlon is a poet and author whose fascination with the wonder of the universe has led him to exploring those questions and writing the Meet Matilda books. He will guide you through stars, planets, and galaxies to measure great distances, and ask what it means to be human.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Witchy Crafts (drop in).
Come along and join author of the Autumn Moonbeam series, Emma Finlayson-Palmer, for magical “witch” crafts suitable for children and adults, and a chance to get your books signed. Suitable for 6+. No need to book.
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm Dare to Be Different Panel (Laura Noakes, Susan Brownrigg, Kimberly Whittam and Chaired by Jennifer Claessen). Followed by a signing.
HOW TO FIND US
NYA& KIDSLitFest is held in the Social Space between the Harrington and Greenbank building highlighted on the campus map here.
Free parking is available on campus. The nearest car parks are Greenbank, Harrington, Victoria and Fylde.
If you are coming on foot from the train station, exit from the station’s main entrance, turn right and then left down Corporation Street to Ringway. Cross Ringway at the lights, turn right, then take first left down Corporation Street (shops including Aldi on your left). Straight ahead and follow signs to the University.
If you are travelling on foot from the bus station, the journey is half a mile and the University is a 15-minute walk from Preston bus station. Head towards Lancaster Road until you arrive at the Cenotaph. Turn right downhill on Friargate. Walk through pedestrianised area down to traffic lights at Ringway. Cross Ringway and continue up Friargate. Follow signs to University.
NYALitFest 21st May 2022
Doors open 9 am – please register at the UCLan Publishing stand upon entry.
WORKSHOPS
10 am – 11 am Creating Characters with Danielle Jawando CANCELLED
Join critically acclaimed author Danielle Jawando for a creative-writing workshop. Danielle will explore how to create authentic, three-dimensional characters that leap off the page. Looking at voice, setting and plot, in order to craft compelling and memorable characters for a YA audience.
12 pm – 1pm Shared Reading with Natasha Devon
Join Rab from The Reader to try out a mindful hour of Shared Reading of Toxic by Natasha Devon. In a Shared Reading group, the leader reads aloud from the text, and then we stop and chat about what we’ve read. There’s no pressure for group members to read aloud or even to speak – it’s perfectly fine to come along and just listen. The idea is to create a space where everyone feels at ease. This event is extra special because everyone attending will receive a limited proof of Toxic (not available on sale until July) to take away with them, and the group will have the opportunity to meet Natasha and have their copy signed.
Hearing fiction read aloud in real-time means everyone is involved in a shared experience, with the book providing a talking point for a relaxed conversation between those who do want to talk. It’s a great way to take a break, and if you enjoy Shared Reading, you can chat with Rab afterwards about groups in your area.
2 pm – 3 pm Building Confidence with C.G. Moore
A session focused on boosting confidence and self-esteem and how you can apply this to your writing. Open to all ages, Chris will empower attendees and help you understand what is holding you back. Leave this session equipped with the tools and techniques to increase your confidence and feeling more positive.
THE AGENTS REALM
10 am – 10:45 am The Publishing Process (Louise Lamont and Katie Clapham).
11 am – 11:45 am Getting Your Pitch Right (John Baker and Gabriela Houston).
PANEL EVENTS
10 am – 10:45 am The Craft (Finbar Hawkins, Ciannon Smart, Mary Watson. Chaired by Jennifer Lane).
11 am – 11:45 am Thrills & Chills (Bryony Pearce, Cynthia Murphy, Naomi Gibson. Chaired by Amy McCaw)
12 pm – 1 pm – Signings
Danielle Jawando, Katie Clapham, Gabriela Houston, Finbar Hawkins, Ciannon Smart, Jennifer Lane, Bryony Pearce, Cynthia Murphy, Naomi Gibson and Amy McCaw.
1 pm – 1:45 pm The World We Live In (Simon James Green, Sita Brahmachari, Cynthia So. Chaired by Kate Weston).
2 pm – 2:45 pm Living, Loving & Laughing (Christine Pillainayagam, George Lester and Tamsin Winter. Chaired by Sara Barnard).
3 pm – 4 pm Signings
Simon James Green, Sita Brahmachari, Cynthia So, Kate Weston, Christine Pillainayagam, George Lester, Tamsin Winter, Sara Barnard and C.G. Moore.
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm The Fight For What’s Right (Aneesa Marufu, Ann Sei Lin, Katharine and Elizabeth Corr. Chaired by Kesia Lupo).
4:15 pm – 5:15 pm Signings
Aneesa Marufu, Ann Sei Lin, Kesia Lupo, Katharine and Elizabeth Corr.
5:30 pm CLOSE
KIDSLitFest 22nd May 2022
Doors open 10 am – please register at the UCLan Publishing stand upon entry.
10 am – 2 pm Magical Story Jars and the Chief Story Makers (free drop in activity)
Come and have caboodles of story making fun at the Story Mixing Station. This drop-in activity is guaranteed to help everyone enjoy playing with story ideas to create their very own adventure stories.
Use story cards from Magical Story Jars®️ to help inspire your very own short story. Write or draw scenes from your newly created adventure stories using lots of different characters including Rodney the very shy robot and his friend Dave the talking pencil. Along the way, your story characters can become superheroes for the day, find secret doors and discover gigantic shiny rockets. What story will you create?
The Chief Story Makers will be on hand to provide support, help kids shape their stories and to make sure they come away feeling inspired and excited about all things story. Magical Story Jars will also be available to buy on the day.
2 pm – 4 pm Create an Alien Storytelling Workshop (free drop in activity)
Join Rab, author of Middle-Grade adventure The Late Crew, and design your very own alien! From creating alien fact files, drawing alien designs, designing home planets, imagining wonderful alien superpowers, there’s something for children and adults alike who want to create their own extra-terrestrial creatures.
Once you’re done, you can even make a story featuring your alien as the star!
PANELS
10:30 am – 11:15 All The LOLs (Tasha Harrison, Helen Rutter and James Harris. Chaired by Simon James Green).
11:30 – 12pm Signing and Stalls
Tasha Harrison, Helen Rutter, James Harris and Simon James Green.
12 pm – 12:45 pm Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Noah (followed by a signing).
1 pm – 1:45 pm Adventure Awaits! Vashti Hardy, Annaliese Avery and Ross Welford, Chaired by Jasmine Richards). Followed by a signing.
2 pm – 2:45 pm How Are You Feeling? (Darren Simpson, Gabriela Houston chaired by Paul Jenkins). Followed by a signing.
3pm – 3:45 Mystery and Mayhem (Jo Clarke, Susan Brownrigg and Anna James. Chaired by Katherine Woodfine). Followed by a signing.
4 pm – 4:45 pm You Have the Power (Tamsin Mori, Elle McNicoll and Ross MacKenzie. Chaired by Jennifer Claessen). Followed by a signing.
5:30 pm CLOSE
STALLS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND – Please note that some vendors may only accept cash. It is advised that you bring both card and cash with you to the event. ATMs can be located on campus (Corporation Street) and Tesco Friargate.
Firefly Press – An indie press publisher based in Wales specialising in Children’s and Teen’s Fiction (Ages 5-19).
Walker Books – A British publisher of Children’s books since 1978.
Onwe Books – An indie UK publisher and lifestyle brand highlighting diverse and under-represented voices.
Comics Youth CIC – A non-profit creative community organisation supporting young people across Merseyside to make their own comics and magazines.
UCLan Children’s Book Illustration MA Course – A Master’s course for students who are interested in developing their illustration skills particularly for use in Children’s literature.
UCLan Publishing – An indie trade publisher based at the University of Central Lancashire, specialising in Children’s and Young Adult books.
Lit Pins and Co. – Bookish pins and merchandise creator.
Felfira Moon Designs – Bookish pins and stationary creator.
The Tsundoku Chronicles – Bookmarks and bookish prints creator.
Rachel Book Lady – Usborne books, crafts, and puzzles vendor.
HOW TO FIND US
NYA& KIDSLitFest is held in the Social Space between the Harrington and Greenbank building highlighted on the campus map here.
Free parking is available on campus. The nearest car parks are Greenbank, Harrington, Victoria and Fylde.
If you are coming on foot from the train station, exit from the station’s main entrance, turn right and then left down Corporation Street to Ringway. Cross Ringway at the lights, turn right, then take first left down Corporation Street (shops including Aldi on your left). Straight ahead and follow signs to the University.
If you are travelling on foot from the bus station, the journey is half a mile and the University is a 15-minute walk from Preston bus station. Head towards Lancaster Road until you arrive at the Cenotaph. Turn right downhill on Friargate. Walk through pedestrianised area down to traffic lights at Ringway. Cross Ringway and continue up Friargate. Follow signs to University.
The Harrington Cafe will be open for refreshments on the 21st May, but closed on the 22nd.
PAST EVENTS
NYALitFest 15th January 2021
6 pm – 7 pm Voices (Patrice Lawrence, El Norry, Leila Rasheed & Bali Rai. Chaired by Jake Hope).
7 pm – 8 pm How to get Published. Join agent Sandra Sawicka and authors Rose Edwards and Amy McCaw as the discuss how to get published.
LIVE 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Women at War. Join award winning authors Sally Nicholls and Eve Ainsworth as they discuss the role of young women during First World War, and how it affected the lives of those around them. Chaired by Charlie Sheppard.
9 pm – Student Showcase Writing with UCLan Authors. Join UCLan authors Ruth Estevez, Sam Pope, and Susan Brownrigg for writing tips. They will be chatting to Publishing MA student, Stephen, about perennial writing issues such as character development, getting ideas and barriers to novel-writing.
10 pm – Student Showcase A Different Route to Publication. Interested in a career with books? Current MA student, Steph, will be talking to three UCLan authors about their experience working with masters students to get their novels published. Featuring Susan Brownrigg (Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest), Sam Pope (The Haunting of Lindy Pennyworth) and Ruth Estevez (The Monster Belt).
NYALitFest 16th January 2021
10 am – 10:30 am Anna Mainwaring – The Writer’s Voice. Agents and publishers often say that what they are looking for in submissions is a unique voice. But what does that mean? In this workshop, you will explore what is meant by the writer’s voice, and aim to find your own.
10:30 am – 11 am Vanessa Jones. Join author and musical theatre actress, Vanessa as she introduces you to her debut novel, SING Like No One’s Listening! Inspired by her time on the stage, Vanessa paints a scene of what it’s really like to learn at a British musical theatre school. Followed by an intimate interactive workshop.
LIVE 11 am – 12 pm Toxic Talk Join Andy Robb, Juno Dawson, Matt Killeen, and Samuel Pollen as they discuss the effects of toxic thinking and talking.
12 pm – 1 pm Get into Writing with Chicken House (Barry Cunningham, Kesia Lupo & Amy Bond). Calling all aspiring writers! Join Chicken House publisher Barry Cunningham – known for discovering JK Rowling – editor and YA author of We Are Blood and Thunder Kesia Lupo, and Amy Bond, author of Morgana Mage in the Robotic Age for an hour of writing tips. Learn how to get your manuscript in tip-top shape, what publishers and editors are really looking for, and how to enter the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition for unpublished writers. See you there!
LIVE 1 pm – 2 pm What Love Is, and What Love Isn’t (Holly Bourne in Conversation with Lisa Williamson)
2 pm – 2:45 pm – Myths, Magic & Legends Join Mel Salisbury, Rose Edwards, Bex Hogan, and Kesia Lupo as they discuss how mythology, magic and legends have influenced their writing.
3 pm – 4 pm Defying Expectations Join Sue Cheung, Mel Darbon, Yaba Badoe & Darren Charlton. In this unique panel we have 4 authors with 4 very different books; all with the common theme of Defying Expectations.
4.30 pm – 5.30 pm Speak Up! Join George Lester, Louisa Reid, Sharon Dogar & Laura Coryton as they discuss the importance of Speaking Up, and finding your own voice.
LIVE 6 pm – 7 pm Last One To Die. Join us for the virtual launch of LAST ONE TO DIE, Cynthia Murphy’s debut YA horror-thriller with a supernatural twist, out in January. Cynthia will be in conversation with Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the Undead (out in April 2021). They will be chatting all about the wonders of Point Horror and the inspiration behind LAST ONE TO DIE.
30 audience members will be entered into a draw to win an exclusive LAST ONE TO DIE enamel badge. 10 audience members will be entered into a draw to win a proof of Mina and the Undead by Amy McCaw.
LIVE 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Love, Life and Everything In Between. Join us to celebrate the publication of C.G. Moore’s second novel, Gut Feelings.
At school,
I learned that words,
More than weapons,
Could destroy bodies,
Could break hearts.
More than fists or fury.
This is the story of Chris, what happened to him at age eleven and how that would change the rest of his life. A life-affirming and powerful coming of age verse novel that shines a light on chronic illness, who we are and how we live.
C.G. Moore will be in conversation with bestselling author Alice Oseman, discussing all things to do with love, life and being a teen.
8:30 pm CLOSE
KIDSLitFest 2020
Workshops
10 am – 10:30 am Dan Walker – How do stories work? Author of The Light Hunters will talk you through creating your own story with your friends and family. (8+)
11 am – 11:30 am Trailblazers! Join Katherine Woodfine and Susan Brownrigg as they talk about creating trailblazing characters.
11:30 – 12 pm The Book of Secrets. Philip Caveney will be introducing you to Archimaldo, a medieval troubadour who could do with some help creating his next jingle! Join us on the 17th of January if you have what it takes to work in a medieval advertising agency! Make sure you have pen and paper to hand.
1 pm – 1:30 pm Map Making with Vashti Hardy. Create your own fantasy map with bestselling author of Brightstorm and Wildspark. (8+)
1:30 pm – 2 pm Liz Flanagan – Dragon Daughter. Join Liz Flanagan, the award-winning author of Dragon Daughter, for a magical creatures masterclass! Make sure you have paper and pencils at the ready! (8+)
2 pm – 2:45 pm Adventure Awaits! Join Thomas Taylor, Ross MacKenzie & Vashti Hardy as they take you on a magical adventure of fantastical storytelling!
3 pm – 3:30 pm Punny Books. Join award-winning author Guy Bass for a full-throttle hour of stand-up, readings, poems, pictures and, most importantly, puns. Expect nothing but nonsense as Guy explores his childhood aspirations and inspirations and reads from his latest punny book, Anna Gain and the Same Sixty Seconds.
3:30 – 4:15 pm Mystery-solving, code-cracking and daring-detectives! Join three brilliant authors of young crime fiction – Annabelle Sami, Anne Miller and Serena Patel – to hear about the whip-smart female detectives they have each created and the perilous but often funny mysteries they solve. There’s ‘Agent Zaiba’, a go-getting British Pakistani and detective mega-fan who is always on the watch for a crime to solve; ‘Mickey’, an inquisitive puzzle-solving genius who is recruited by a Top Secret spy ring run by a band of eccentric animals; and ‘Anisha’ who accidentally becomes a detective the day she discovers a secret ransom note saying Aunty Bindi’s groom has been kidnapped and will only be released if the wedding is called off!
Learn secret tips for writing your own page-turning crime stories. What’s gone wrong? Who are the suspects? And what are your clues?
4:30 pm – 5 pm Mermaid School. Dive in with author and illustrator duo Lucy Courtenay and Sheena Dempsey as they talk all things mermaids and underwater fun! (7+)
5pm CLOSE
PAST EVENTS
Workshops
10am – 11.30am Creative Writing Workshop (Melvin Burgess & Lucy Christopher) Harrington Building, 1st Floor.
12pm – 1.30pm – Ask the Agents (Chloe Seager, Louise Lamont & Sandra Sawicka) Greenbank Lecture Theatre.
Panels/Signings
10.15am – 10.45am: YA Thrillers (Chaired by Caroline Carpenter – Will Hill & M.A. Bennett) Greenbank Lecture Theatre.
11am – 11.45am: Feminist Fantasy Panel (Melinda Salisbury, Samantha Shannon, Laure Eve & Rose Edwards) Harrington Lecture Theatre.
11.45am – 1pm: Author Signings/Stalls/UCLan Publishing Course Tours
Signing: M.A. Bennett, Will Hill, Lucy Christopher, Melinda Salisbury, Samantha Shannon, Laure Eve & Rose Edwards
1pm– 1.45pm: Inclusiveness in YA Panel (Chaired by Aimée Felone – Non Pratt, A.J. Hartley, Bali Rai & Mel Darbon) Harrington Lecture Theatre.
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Author Signings/Stalls/UCLan Publishing Course Tours
Signing: Chloe Seager, Non Pratt, A.J. Hartley, Bali Rai & Mel Darbon
2.30pm – 3.15pm: Shame-Less Panel (Katherine Webber, Melvin Burgess, Laura Steven, Tamsin Winter) Harrington Lecture Theatre.
3.15pm – 4pm: Signing/Stalls
Signing: Katherine Webber, Melvin Burgess, Laura Steven, Tamsin Winter & Lisa Williamson & Alexandra Sheppard
4pm – 5pm: Mental Health Panel (Lisa Williamson, Alice Broadway, Sara Barnard, Akemi Dawn Bowman & Alexandra Sheppard) Harrington Lecture Theatre.
5pm – 6pm: Signing
Signing: Lisa Williamson, Alice Broadway, Sara Barnard & Akemi Dawn Bowman
HOW TO FIND US
NYALitFest is held in the Social Space between the Harrington and Greenbank building highlighted on the campus map here.
Free parking is available on campus. The nearest car parks are Greenbank, Harrington, Victoria and Fylde.
If you are coming on foot from the train station, exit from the station’s main entrance, turn right and then left down Corporation Street to Ringway. Cross Ringway at the lights, turn right, then take first left down Corporation Street (shops including Aldi on your left). Straight ahead and follow signs to the University.
If you are travelling on foot from the bus station, the journey is half a mile and the University is a 15-minute walk from Preston bus station. Head towards Lancaster Road until you arrive at the Cenotaph. Turn right downhill on Friargate. Walk through pedestrianised area down to traffic lights at Ringway. Cross Ringway and continue up Friargate. Follow signs to University.
SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Activities & Stalls
Publisher Stalls – Oxford University Press, Faber, David Fickling Books, Macmillan, Walker, Hachette and UCLan Publishing.
YLG – CILIP Carnegie Medal
Face Painting – get a bookish motif by our free face painter.
Bookish jewellery and gift stalls
Book Exchange – book shelves overflowing with past reads you haven’t yet parted with? A common problem for avid readers! Why not bring your old books to our Book Exchange Stall and swap them for something you haven’t read?
Waterstones – selling books by the authors attending our event. Cash or card accepted.
More to be confirmed
Please be aware that throughout the duration of the event there will be official event photography/filming taking place for marketing and promotional purposes.
Previous Events
The Supernatural & Fantastical in YA
21st July 12pm – 4.30pm
12pm – Doors Open. Get here early to secure a good seat! We’ll have bookish face painting, The Book Exchange and other activities.
1pm – Fantasy Panel. Melinda Salisbury will be chairing a discussion with Sally Green, Taran Matharu and Alexandra Christo. 4 bestselling authors join together to create a YA Fantasy discussion you don’t want to miss!
2pm – Author Signing. Melinda Salisbury, Sally Green, Taran Matharu & Alexandra Christo
3pm – Supernatural Panel. David Owen will be chairing a discussion with A.J Hartley, Melvin Burgess and Marcus Sedgwick. Be prepared to be spooked as these bestselling authors discuss everything we love about the supernatural.
4pm – Author Signing. David Owen, A.J Hartley, Marcus Sedgwick & Melvin Burgess.
Activities & Stalls
Face Painting – get a bookish motif by our free face painter. She’ll be with us until 1pm.
Book Exchange – book shelves overflowing with past reads you haven’t yet parted with? A common problem for avid readers! Why not bring your old books to our Book Exchange Stall and swap them for something you haven’t read?
Waterstones – selling books by the authors attending our event. Cash or card accepted.
More to be confirmed.
THE NORTHERN YA LITERARY FESTIVAL 