I am back from a week in Denver, so lots of posts ahead. Let's start with Day of YA, put on by the YARWA chapter.
Christine Gunderson kicked us off, introducing our keynote speaker Pintip Dunn. Dunn talked about how she had resisted her dream of becoming an author until health reasons forced her to realize some of her stress came from suppressing her dream. And now she is a New York times Bestselling author and (after this year's RITAs) a two time RITA award winner. Then I announced the Rosemary results, and Monica Jones announced the Athena results.
Our Industry panel included Kate Brauning, Bess Cozby, Laura Bradford, Michelle Grajkowski, and Kristin Nelson. They talked about the differences between digital and print audiences, especially in YA, and the value of discussing goals.
Michael Hauge talked about inner circles and also how coming of age stories may approach armor and essence a little differently since young people may not have fully formed their armor and may instead be discovering their armor is not fully ready for the harshness of the adult world.
Then the winners of the silent auction were announced and then we adjourned. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year.
