My MWF Top 5 Picks!

Hello Darling Readers!

I am so, so, so excited to be involved in the glorious Melbourne Writers Festival once again. It is always a somebody-pinch-me! honour when I get invited to attend and talk books with authors and creators I so admire. 

But this year feels really especially special because I get to talk about my own book, the #LoveOzYA Anthology AND ... there are some pretty spectacular guests I'm thoroughly thrilled to be seeing and chatting to! 

So, without further ado, here are my MWF Top 5 Picks ... 

Angie Thomas: YA & Activism

Giving voice to young black Americans and chronicling their experiences of racism, The Hate U Give is the year’s most outstanding YA novel. Hear from author Angie Thomas as she argues for writing that can turn the political into the deeply personal as a way to inspire action and speak truth to power. Be inspired by this young, outspoken writer who is ready to hit three truths home: that life fuels art, art mirrors life, and books can change lives.

The Bone Season

She’s been called the next JK Rowling for her bestselling fantasy series, The Bone Season – the first book of which was published when she was just 21. Now three novels in, British author Samantha Shannon invites you into her dystopic world.

#LoveOzYA

Celebrate local YA with the best in the biz! #LoveOzYA authors Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Ellie Marney and Alice Pung discuss the importance of representation, telling Australian stories and why YA is important for teens and adults alike. With Danielle Binks (that's me!)

Harry Potter Day

Accio good times! Whether you’re a Muggle, wizard or Squib, join us for a free all-ages celebration of 20 years of the boy who lived. With live performances, a Sorting Hat, story time and more, share in the magic of the wizarding world with Professor Frankie Falconette. Wear your Hogwarts robes for a chance to win prizes. Mischief managed!

Teens at Signal

Emerging creative? Look no further than Signal for a host of great free events over two days, with

podcasting tips, creative writing workshops and a chance to ask your favourite YA novelists about their work.

Workshop: A Seat at the Table – Still Nomads

YA AMA – Danielle Binks, Melissa Keil, Angie Thomas

Workshop: Webseries – Hayley Adams

Live Podcast: Starving Artist – Honor Eastly, Brodie Lancaster, Celeste Mountjoy, TextaQueen