The Art of Writing for Young Adults: a Workshop
Keren David, Miriam Halahmy, Keren David, Hilary Freeman
Writing for young adults is a genre of its own, prompting the challenges one might expect in creating enjoyable, age-appropriate, but trenchant works of fiction for those of not-quite adult status, who in many ways are wiser than their parents. In the first hour, authors Keren David, Hilary Freeman and Miriam Halahmy will discuss how they meet these challenges. In the second, you will have the chance to pitch your idea for a children’s or teen novel. Bring a synopsis or first chapter of your work with you. Rachel Lasserson will chair the event.
Keren David has been a journalist since she was a teenager, and currently works at the Jewish Chronicle. She is the award-winning author of 11 Young Adult books. What We’re Scared Of is her 12th book. She lives in north London with her husband, two grown up children and two cats.
Miriam HalahmyMiriam Halahmy is an author, poet and workshop facilitator for English PEN. Her novels cover controversial issues such as asylum seekers and teenage pregnancy. Her debut novel Hiddenwas nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Hilary FreemanHilary Freeman has written six novels for teenagers and young adults and has been shortlisted for several awards. She is an award-winning journalist and agony aunt, working for national newspapers, magazines, TV and radio.
Noga ApplebaumNoga Applebaum holds a PhD in Children’s Literature from Roehampton University and is the author of Representations of Technology in Science Fiction for Young People. She currently lectures on Children’s Literature at the Open University and teaches writing for children at MA level. She also works as a manuscript reader for The Literary Consultancy. She is twice winner of the London Writers’ Competition and is busy working on her first YA novel.
