To put it simply, I had the best time.
I loved how stress-free the event felt. There was plenty of time between panels for signings, there was delicious (and super cheap?!) food available on site, there were fantastic stalls. I didn't feel rushed or panicked at the event (that was saved for the chaos of the delayed train on the return journey), and I event felt comfortable enough to lie down on a couch at the end and rest (which was much needed after being on the go since before 6am).
I am so glad I managed to pick up an ARC of The Harm Tree by Rose Edwards because I have heard excellent things about it from Charlotte and I'm excited to start it, especially after the Feminist Fantasy. I also nabbed an ARC of Fated by Teri Terry and I am full of excite at the prospect of rereading it without a migraine.
But instead of a full wrap up, I'm going to share some of my favourite quotes from the authors on the panels, because some of them hit me right in the feels and really resonated with me. And also I'm trying to be a better blogger and took a lot of Notes for one, go me.
I would have loved to include Samantha Shannon's full Strong Female Character speech (which was as epic and long as Priory of the Orange Tree) but I was too busy gleefully listening to actually write notes on it.
YA Thrillers
I feel like a fraud being on this panel, I just wanted to write something that people would want to keep reading
Will Hill
When I'm writing, I usually know where it's going, I know what's going to happen, but I let the characters guide how.
MA Bennett
Feminist Fantasy Panel
Being morally outstanding does not mean that someone is a good human being.
Laure Eve
The intimacy of friendship, especially as a teen girl, is so intense.
Rose Edwards
The break up of a friendship is devastating.
Samantha Shannon
As a society, in the media we consume we allow women to be strong only after they have been hurt.
Melinda Salisbury
Inclusiveness in YA Panel
We need to reset the notion of normal
AJ Hartley
I do it because it needs to be done, in twenty years things haven't changed.
Bali Rai
You can tell a very complicated story with simple language.
Non Pratt
Shame-Less Panel
The Exact Opposite of Okay wasn't a story about Izzy finding her voice, it was about using it.
Laura Steven
Shame is so different from guilt, it cuts a lot deeper and attaches to who you are as a person.
Tamsin Winter
How can you resist being overly critical of yourself when on social media you're essentially a public performance?
Laura Steven
Mental Health Panel
Oh My Gods was always meant to be funny and light, but in order to have light you need dark.
Alexandra Sheppard
If you're not being honest with yourself you cannot set boundaries.
Akemi Dawn Bowman
As a teen I felt like I was a different person every three months, I had to get to know myself again and again. There were so many expectations to confront, and that's a common experience.
Alice Broadway
I'm glad you had such a good time! So upset I couldn't make it this year but I'll have to go next year for sure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a lovely time! :) sounds like a great event!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe that you've managed to so your wrap up already. I'm still dying in a corner.
ReplyDeleteLove the quotes that you've shared from the event
I loved this event so much! I am writing my wrap-up of the event soon! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteReally glad you had such a lovely time! 💜
ReplyDeleteAmy x
I am gutted that I couldn't attend as I was desperately looking forward to it. It sounds like such a wonderful festival which is chilled and doesn't have the manic element found elsewhere. Thank you for the quotes. I bet the panels were awesome. I will hopefully see you there at the next one!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting overview of the event! I'm glad you had such a good time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an amazing time!😊
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Shirley | https://shirleycuypers.blogspot.com
brilliant quote youve selected to showcase here, glad you had a great day
ReplyDeleteI love the way you've decided to write this! I always forget to take notes during author talks so it's great to be reminded of some of them now :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree that it was an amazing, stress free event and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I loved how you wrote this wrap-up of the event. It was so fun to read. I liked Will Hill's quote," I just wanted to write something that people would want to keep reading." I want to live by that quote haha!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an awesome time! So many great authors!
ReplyDeleteAh it sounded like such an amazing event, I’d love to attend next year if there is one!
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