Romantasy and New Adult fiction are the most exciting and fast-moving categories in publishing - and three of their most compelling voices come together at BLF. What is it about the combination of romance, fantasy and coming-of-age that has captured the hearts of so many readers? How do these authors build their worlds, craft their love stories, and push the genre into unexpected territory? An essential event for fans - and an ideal introduction for anyone new to these genres.
Format: Panel Discussion
Themes: Fiction, Adults, Young People
Annaliese Avery Books: The Immortal Games, The Wycherleys
Best selling and inaugural Waterstones YA Book of the Month author Annaliese Avery is best known for her engaging storytelling and epic world building. As a former library manager Annaliese is an advocate for reading and the life changing power of books.
Melinda Salisbury Books: Her Dark Wings, Echo Star, Adelaide, The Foundation
Melinda Salisbury was born in the 1980s in a landlocked city, before escaping to live by the sea. As a child she genuinely thought Roald Dahl's Matilda was her biography, in part helped by her grandfather often calling her Matilda, and also the local library having a rather cavalier attitude to the books she took out. Despite this she never manifested telekinetic powers, though not for want of trying. She still tries, to this day. When she's not trying to unlock the hidden avenues of her mind, she's reading, writing, or travelling, all of which are now more addictions than hobbies.
Kate Weston Books: Coterie of Liars
Kate Weston is the author of four New Adult books, as well as her adult comedy murder mysteries You May Now Kill The Bride and How to Make a Killing. Her YA feminist thriller, Murder on a School Night, was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2024 and its sequel Murder on a Summer Break was shortlisted for a CrimeFest award. Kate has also been a semi-finalist for Funny Women and New Comedian of the Year, longlisted for Comedy Women in Print and the Branford Boase, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
