This month was a busy one for the teens, with many facing end of year exams. However, for those who were able to attend our meeting we had a fascinating visit from Jane Pearson, senior editor at Text Publishing.

Jane talked about the skills needed to see the potential in manuscripts when considering the possibility of publication, and the main elements that need to be in place for a successful book; an engaging story, a believable voice and strong character motivations.

Jane then took us into the ‘cone of silence’, the sacred relationship between an author and editor, by reading an actual letter she had written to one of her authors discussing what worked, and most importantly what didn’t, within their manuscript. This was a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes work that goes on at a publishing house to make a book as good as it can be before it gets to the public. We were very fortunate to be given this glimpse.

Jane also told the teens about the Text Prize for children’s and young adult writing, which is a yearly competition the publisher runs for unpublished manuscripts.The winner receives $10,000 and a publishing contract with Text. Surely a priceless prize for most aspiring authors! Jane gave us some tips about being in with the best chance and told us about the winner and shortlisted titles from last year.

You can find more about the Text Prize, which opens for entries very soon, right here.

THE BOARD REFLECTS ON WHAT THEY READ IN 2017

Books that made us laugh…

‘ Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland. Loving, hilarious, entrancing and unique. This fabulous book gave me a new perspective on love and had me crying happy tears.’ – Layla Saraya

‘ When Dimple met Rishi by Sandhya Menon.’ – Kate Kleinitz

‘A lot of books have made me laugh! Frankie by Shivaun Plozza and Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland (which also made me cry) both stand out in my memory.’ – Kirrily Ireland

Books that made us cry…

‘ The Hate Race by Maxine Beneba Clarke. Also, All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr – full of beautiful characters, this is the kind of book that makes you see the good in the world.’ – Stella Theocharides

‘ Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick is probably the most memorable tearjerker I read this year. It was written so well too. I’m definitely glad that I picked up up at the library. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan also got me very emotional, and was a fitting read during the marriage equality survey.’ – Kirrily Ireland

‘ Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – an oldie but a goodie. I was hesitant to read this one through school but ended up absolutely loving it and was a mess by the final page. Also, It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.’ – Layla Saraya

‘ Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. This book was so relatable and explored issues I’ve experience and feel passionate about. Albertalli’s The Upside of Unrequited is also worth seeking out.’ – Kate Kleinitz

Books that kept us on the edge of our seat…

‘ There’s Someone Inside Your House combines Stephanie Perkins’s talent for writing romance with a story that slowly creeps its way into your head.’ – Kate Kleinitz

‘ One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus. This book was so captivating and drew me in after just reading the first chapter. The twist of events and unique setting really kept me questioning everything and everyone.’ – Layla Saraya

‘ Assassin’s Fate is a fantastic end to Robin Hobb’s Fitz and the Fool trilogy, with a gradual build-up to a brilliant climax.’ – Stella Theocharides

‘Dan Brown’s Origin! You can read my review here.’ – Kirrily Ireland

THE BOARD LOOKS AHEAD TO 2018

What we’re planning to read over summer…

‘Next on my list are The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, The City & The City by China Miéville and Foreign Soil by Maxine Beneba Clarke.’ – Stella Theocharides

‘ The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I have been eager to lose myself in this last one for a while).’ – Layla Saraya

‘I have lots to read including YA books, Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell and Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, as well as the new Jack Reacher from Lee Child, The Midnight Line.’ – Kirrily Ireland

Our literary resolutions for the new year…

‘I want to read new genres, and at least 15 books.’ – Stella Theocharides

‘I want to get back into reading every day, for at least an hour, and aim to try finish a book a week.’ – Kirrily Ireland

‘My goals for 2018 are to read 50-60 books, and to explore different genres that I have not yet had the chance to enjoy.’ – Layla Saraya