Forms of Storytelling
Young Adult (Y.A.)

David Neilsen, Christina Hoag, Kimberly Dana, and Sheila Sobel explore what defines YA thrillers and mysteries. They share advice on blending emotional authenticity with fast pacing and suspense, all while staying grounded in a believable teen perspective.

Bonnie J. Doerr, Jessica Verday, Joseph Terrell, and Marlis Day discuss their experiences writing and publishing young adult mysteries. They explore genre expectations, character challenges, and what keeps teen readers engaged from the opening chapter to the final reveal.

What really separates young adult fiction from adult novels, and where do those lines start to blur? In this panel, authors dig into the evolving space between YA and adult storytelling, using dystopian fiction as a lens. They discuss voice, theme, intensity, and content, sharing how they navigate complex ideas while still honoring younger readers and keeping stories emotionally authentic.

Helen Chapman, Julie Anne Lindsey, Kourtney Heintz, and Rae Ann Parker discuss what it takes to write authentically for teens and tweens. They explore voice, theme, and emotional honesty, and explain how writing for younger audiences differs from writing for adults.

Bev Irwin, Joelle Charbonneau, Jordan Dane, Keir Graff, and Michelle Gagnon examine why young adult fiction continues to thrive. They discuss the emotional honesty, pacing, and identity-driven themes that make YA such a powerful and enduring category.

Moderated by Lisa Malice, Desiree Brown, Holly McClure, Kimberly Dana, Sharon Marchisello, and Sheila Sobel discuss the evolving YA market. They talk about what draws them to the genre and how writers can craft stories that reflect the interests and realities of today’s teen readers.

Kate Hart and Rae Ann Parker offer a practical introduction to common settings and character archetypes in young adult fiction. Using clear examples, they show how writers can use these familiar elements effectively while still creating fresh and original stories.

Amanda Pavlov, Lynn Slaughter, and Patrick Kendrick break down what truly defines young adult fiction. They discuss voice, authenticity, and the common pitfalls writers should avoid, while offering practical guidance on how to connect honestly and meaningfully with teen readers.

In this engaging conversation, young adult fiction enthusiasts and readers explore the role book clubs play in promoting literacy and building community around stories. The panel also tackles common misconceptions about the YA genre and highlights why these books continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Alison McMahan, Lynn Slaughter, and Sheila Sobel discuss why writers are drawn to young adult fiction and why YA stories resonate far beyond their intended age group. They explore how universal emotions and relatable themes help these stories connect with readers of all ages.

Jacquelyn Mitchard explores why young adult novels captivate both teens and adults. She examines what gives YA its broad appeal and how writers can tap into themes, characters, and storytelling choices that resonate across generations.

Bev Irwin, Bonnie J. Doerr, Laurie Edwards, Patrice Lyle, and Shannon L. Brown explore the craft of writing for children and teens. This session covers voice, authenticity, series development, and how to create stories that evolve alongside young readers and keep them engaged over time.

Earl Fisher, Linda Fisher, Marco Conelli, Phyllis Johnson, and Rayan Parker share lessons from their own novels about writing suspense for young readers. They explore how to balance tension, pacing, and emotional depth while keeping stories age appropriate and impossible to put down.

Gregory Stout, Irene Schindler, Judy Lyn Gregg, Marco Patitucci, Roy Hiller, and Tilia Klebenov Jacobs dig into the heart of young adult fiction. They explore how themes of identity, agency, and belonging define YA stories and why the genre is about far more than age alone.