This year, I went to yallwest for the first time. That’s a Young Adult book festival in Santa Monica. I went by myself and had a great time meeting people and attending panels.

I brought two books to get signed, and both authors had lines that required wristbands. I was excited to get wristbands for both lines.

The first was Tracy Deonn. I brought my copy of Bloodmarked for her to sign. I was excited to receive art prints while I waited in line!

And here I am telling Tracy Deonn about my list of books with the word cariad in them while she signs my book.

Books with “cariad”

My second signing line was Tahereh Mafi, whose current series, This Woven Kingdom, I read for the first time in March. I brought my copy of These Infinite Threads for her to sign.

I then rushed to catch the end of an audiobook narrator workshop, which was a fun time for me.

I also got to meet Kamilah Cole, whose debut novel, So Let Them Burn, I was currently reading and near the end of. I was actually listening to the audiobook in the car on the way to the festival!

Kamilah was a delight to talk to. I told her that I was 80-90% through her book and really enjoying it, and she said “Oh, I’m so sorry!” and I think that was the first time I’ve had an author personally apologize for their book’s ending before I’ve read it.

I didn’t have a physical book, but she signed one of the blank bookmarks that I brought, and we took a selfie.

Here are the panels I attended.

OPENING KEYNOTE: JASON REYNOLDS & STEPHANIE GARBER

BIG FANTASY ON THE BIG STAGE  Moderated by Ransom Riggs with Tracy Deonn, Adalyn Grace, Marie Lu, Namina Forna, Angie Thomas, and Adam Silvera

AFTERNOON SPOTLIGHT with Tahereh Mafi, Aiden Thomas, Ava Reid, Adam Silvera, and Hafsah Faizal

THE STORY OF THE NEVERENDING STORY Reinventing the Series Moderated by Amélie Wen Zhao with Lauren Roberts, Zoe Hana Mikuta, Kamilah Cole, Alex Aster, and Hamish Steele

YALLWEST SMACKDOWN Hosted by Ryan La Sala and Angela Montoya This all-star jam brings our cast of featured authors on stage as they play games and undertake shenanigans, all for your entertainment.